NDMC Contributes to Middle East Peace Process

Dr. Cody Knutson, NDMC water resources scientist, was one of three U.S. scientists who presented “Hydrology in a Changing Environment” to water, agriculture and climate managers from Israel, Jordan, and the Palestinian Territories. The workshop in Israel the week of June 8 was sponsored by the Multi-Lateral Working Group on Water Resources, part of the official U.S. Middle East Peace Process. 

Cody Knutson

The atmosphere was a little strained, initially. “But by the second day, it was more relaxed,” Knutson said. “They got to know each other a little bit. They were finding out they faced similar technical and managerial issues.”

Knutson’s co-presenters were Dr. Dennis Todey, the South Dakota State Climatologist, and Dr. Mike O’Neill, the national program leader for water resources with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service (CSREES).

The 18 participants, six from each region, heard about global climate change, including its causes and projected effects, particularly related to water and agriculture. Other sessions focused on what’s been tried in different parts of the world to counter some of the anticipated effects, and on risk management.  Some sessions included small group work that prompted additional dialog.

In addition to learning the latest research on climate change and impacts, the participants became familiar with their counterparts across borders. Or, as Knutson said, in the terms of the Middle East Peace Process, “The participants laid the groundwork for future collaboration.”

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