Israel and Jordan agree deal to save Jordan River
Israel and Jordan have signed a declaration of intent at the UN climate conference to conserve and protect their shared Jordan River – a sacred waterway nearly running dry because of climate change, pollution and other threats.
The agreement, struck at the COP27 summit in Sharm El-sheikh, Egypt, marks an important initial step in co-operation.
Water co-operation was a key element of the 1994 peace treaty between the two countries but chilly relations over recent decades have complicated efforts to increase water supply to the river.
The plan announced yesterday says Israel and Jordan have promised to try to reduce river pollution by building up wastewater treatment facilities and upgrading sewer systems to prevent riverside cities from dumping raw sewage, according to the Israeli government.
The two countries also aim to promote sustainable agriculture and control run off from farms, it added.