Amman, April 22 (Petra) – Jordan and Syria on Wednesday launched the joint Jordanian-Syrian operational water platform in Amman, aimed at strengthening cooperation in managing shared water resources and enhancing technical coordination and data exchange between the two sides.

The initiative seeks to support efforts to address water scarcity challenges and improve sustainable management of water resources in both countries through the development of an integrated digital framework for data sharing and monitoring.

Minister of Water and Irrigation Raed Abu Saud said during the launch ceremony that the platform reflects royal directives and ongoing coordination with the Syrian side, within a framework based on equitable utilization of shared water resources to achieve mutual benefit.

He underscored Jordan’s commitment to advancing regional water cooperation and supporting initiatives that contribute to water security as a key pillar of stability and sustainable development.

Abu Saud said the platform represents the depth of Jordanian-Syrian relations and a shared will to enhance cooperation in one of the region’s most vital sectors. He added that it is a strategic step reflecting growing awareness of escalating water challenges, particularly those driven by climate change and rising demand.

He noted that effective water management has become an urgent necessity, adding that the platform will serve as a decision-support tool by providing accurate and updated data to improve planning and response to shared water challenges.

The minister also highlighted the support provided by the Water Sector Governance Project, funded by the United States government, which contributed to developing the platform into a practical model for international cooperation in water sustainability.

For his part, Syrian Deputy Minister of Energy Osama Abu Zaid said the platform represents a practical embodiment of cooperation between the two countries and a step toward enhancing transparency and improving water resource management through data-driven approaches.

He said the initiative will help unify databases related to the Yarmouk Basin and improve the accuracy of hydrological monitoring, contributing to more efficient water governance.

Abu Zaid told the Jordan News Agency (Petra) that the platform is a qualitative development in bilateral cooperation, aimed at establishing a comprehensive database to support evidence-based decision-making and strengthen preparedness for drought and flood risks.

He also pointed to challenges facing the Yarmouk Basin in recent years, including climate change impacts, declining precipitation, and unregulated groundwater extraction, noting that measures are being taken to regulate well drilling and introduce modern irrigation systems and metering mechanisms.

He added that Syria adopts a cooperative approach aimed at ensuring balanced water distribution, with a joint technical committee tasked with assessing annual water conditions and determining allocations based on scientific criteria.

Jordan Valley Authority Secretary-General Hisham Hayseh said the platform is among the first regional initiatives of its kind for shared basins, focusing on data exchange, remote sensing technologies, and monitoring systems to improve water quality and availability.

He noted that the initiative is expected to benefit agricultural sectors on both sides, particularly in enhancing the sustainability of flows in the Yarmouk River and supporting Jordan’s dam infrastructure, including the al-Wehda Dam.

Hayseh added that the platform requires complementary field projects to establish a comprehensive and integrated database, and said the joint technical committee held its third meeting during which both sides agreed to continue joint studies on the Yarmouk Basin to ensure equitable water sharing.

//Petra// AJ

22/04/2026 15:42:03