Abstract

Policy transformation and implementation in the water sector of a Middle East and North Africa (MENA) country will prove to be a hazardous process because the individual political economies are often economically weak and poor in socio-political adaptive capacity. Imperfect knowledge (information gaps) prevails at all levels in the water sector and deeply entrenched beliefs, based upon past experience, are universally held and often hinder or even stop the process of policy innovation in national water sectors. Economically and environmentally sound water policies, often identified by alien actors do not prove to be politically feasible. There is, nevertheless, a need for information that would be useful to those who wish to introduce water policies based upon principles of water security and water use efficiency. Particularly important is any information that will help identify and analyse potential obstacles that result in political non-feasibility.

Lebanon is, to date, most certainly “un château d'eau” compared to its neighbours but current water delivery systems do not meet the national demand for water. During seventeen years of civil war the water sector was barely operational and, as a result, the whole sector needs rehabilitation. These necessary innovations do require major institutional and administrative reforms as well as a new approach to water rights, water use efficiency and sustainability. Introducing new water management and developing new water reforms will prove to be difficult. Little will change in the Lebanese water sector as long as the government of Lebanon and international donors fail to shape their message in a way that takes into account beliefs based on "existing knowledge" and political tensions. Information gaps have to be filled and beliefs held by those working in the current order, must be identified in order to formulate an implementation strategy for Lebanon. Only then can reform be introduced effectively and without the delay that normally attends the reform of water policy in MENA countries.

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