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growth/development at any cost” dominates. Exploitation of natural resources, provision of
inexpensive labour, mass production and manufacturing efficiency are seen as the formula for 6
lowering prices and enhancing competition in the regional and global markets.

Although the market stimulates needed improvements in resource efficiency and the
development of some new technologies, the region faces considerable problems on various
levels due to the emphasis on economic growth. Problems of social and environmental stress
are left to the self-correcting logic of competitive markets, which only partially solves these Abu Dhabi, UAE
problems and in some cases exacerbates them, possibly leading to stalled economic growth,
as manifested in the current financial crisis.

Planned and unplanned urbanization escalates under this scenario, resulting in increased
employment opportunities and easier access to educational and health services, particularly
for marginalized rural populations. However, it also leads to increased local air pollution,
concentrated waste production, rising numbers of slums and shanty towns, encroachment
on and loss of limited agricultural and recreational lands and insufficient basic health care and
sanitation services for large numbers of people.

Policy First (Reform)
Under this scenario, strong actions are undertaken by Arab governments in an attempt to
reach specific social and environmental goals, such as social and economic equity, women’s
empowerment, environmental protection and natural resources capital maintenance. Arab
governments place strong policy constraints on market forces in order to minimize their
undesirable effects on human beings and environment. Environmental and social costs are
factored into policy measures, regulatory frameworks and planning processes. Required
laws and legislations for the protection of human health and the environment, and the
enhancement of resource sustainability, are formulated and implemented. National and
community-based private sector is brought on board to contribute to investment and
economic development by Public Private Partnership (PPP) schemes with incentives and
strong regulatory body and regulations.

Under this scenario, governments encourage private sector participation in water services
and production to increase efficiency and decrease economic burdens, while keeping certain
environmental regulations and subsidies in place that ensure that the poor continue to have
access to water resources. Bilateral and multilateral agreements for the equitable use of
shared water resources are achieved in some of the region’s basins as a result of regional
cooperation and integration.

IEA Training Manual Workshop for the National Reporting Toolkit (NRT) 17