Advances in Research in Karst Media

The right to water use does not imply total sovereignty by some to the detriment of others over one of the most basic natural resources necessary to sustain life. Both developed and developing countries must find a workable balance for managing water resources. Water use decisions like those affecting Figeh Spring, Damascus, Syria, and Kharga Oases, Egypt, are controlled both by natural parameters, as well as human factors such as land use and population growth. Sustainable Water Development (SWD) is an internationally accepted program for balancing water use issues and goals among competing consumers.