Red Sea - Dead Sea: Study Program Process

“The Study Program consists of a full technical, economic, environmental and social evaluation of the proposed Red Sea–Dead Sea Water Conveyance Project through preparation by independent Consultants of a Feasibility Study and an Environmental and Social Assessment.”

- TOR, as signed by the beneficiary parties

Objective of the Feasibility Study and the Environmental and Social Assessment Study

Investigate the feasibility of reversing the environmental degradation of the Dead Sea Region by transferring water from the Red Sea

• Investigate the technical, economic, financial, environmental, social and institutional issues
• Examine the alternatives to the proposed action, including taking no action
• Evaluate whether the overall benefits exceed the costs to determine the feasibility of the concept
• If feasible, what are the technical, economic, environmental and social costs?
• Undertake the study in a way that reflects and respects the unique context of the region

The outcome of the Feasibility Study and the Environmental and Social Assessment will serve as a tool for governments and stakeholders to determine whether the construction of a Red Sea‑Dead Sea Water Conveyance is feasible, taking into account all relevant aspects including the technical, economic, financial, environmental, and social factors. This process will also provide opportunity for dialogue between regional stakeholders including governmental and non-governmental organizations, and the Beneficiary Parties on the findings of the Study Program findings and to exchange inputs, views and suggestions.

Terms of Reference

The terms of reference for the studies were:

• Prepared through a cooperative process by the three governments
• Sufficiently detailed to serve as tender document

As such the TORs:

• Addresses technical issues and identifies tasks (link)
• Describes oversight, management, and a decision process for possible follow up action
• Provides for public consultation and disclosure processes

Principal Issues and Challenges to be Addressed in the Study Program

The following aspects are addressed in the studies:

• Environmental
• Technical
• Economic
• Institutional
• Social
• Study of Alternatives

The Sub-Studies

The Feasibility Study and the Environmental and Social Assessment Study will draw upon four Sub-Studies, as specified below. The Sub-Studies will serve as the building blocks of and feed data and information to the Feasibility Study and Environmental and Social Assessment Study.  The sub-studies are:

• Gulf of Aqaba/Eilat Study - Source area
• Water Conveyance System Study - Red Sea to the Dead Sea
• Dead Sea  Region Study - Rehabilitation of the Dead Sea
• Hydropower and Desalination Facilities

Key Environmental and Social Issues to be Studied

The following issues will be addressed in the Environmental and Social Assessment Study:

• Upper Gulf of Aqaba/Eilat and Dead Sea marine environment including coral reefs
• Impacts on the Aqaba and Eilat Region
• Ecological connectivity in Wadi Araba
• Impacts on the Dead Sea Region
• Mixing Red Sea and Dead Sea Waters
• Impacts on Groundwater
• Impacts to Archeological, Historical and Cultural Sites
• Impacts from Hydropower Facilities and Desalination Plants
• Induced Impacts
• HIV/AIDS Risks
• Potential Impacts from Special Risks
• Cumulative Impacts

Expected Timeline and Reports

The full duration of the Study Program is anticipated to be 24 months.  The major studies started in May 2008 and will be finalized in June 2010.  Major targets within this timeline include: inception reports, review of existing studies; identification of gaps in knowledge, preliminary draft reports, integration of sub-studies, and the final reports.