Abstract Why do dams exacerbate ethnic conflict in Turkey but not in Ethiopia? This paper analyzes the impacts of a growing push to develop water resources through hydroelectric dams, which promise clean energy, jobs, and economic opportunities. Yet dam building also causes environmental degradation, mass relocation, the flooding of historical sites, and long‐lasting cultural impacts. This paper focuses on how dams, as an extension of the state, can increase ethnic tensions by decreasing their autonomy and challenging their cultural practices, ultimately exacerbating violence. A comparison of two instances of large‐scale dam building in Ethiopia and Turkey during conflict illustrates various factors that contribute to ethnic tensions between minority groups. In Turkey, dams are weaponized against the Kurdish population, deepening ethnic conflict as the state asserts itself and a state‐centered national consciousness into a region historically wary of Turkish nation‐building. In Ethiopia, dam‐building, while framed in similar language as it is in Turkey, avoids heightening ethnic conflict because dams are seen as unifying the country rather than homogenizing ethnic minorities in rural areas. This paper argues that ethnic conflict is exacerbated when both (1) damming disproportionately targets one ethnic group and (2) when the targeted population is unable to access alternative mechanisms to air grievances. In developing the proposed theory, more insight can be gained into water, conflict, and dam‐building in conflict‐prone areas in fragile political positions. From a policy perspective, these findings indicate that more scrutiny over dams in such contexts is necessary for the protection of minority populations.

Key Messages Collaboration between people and decision makers is essential for effective water policy implementation: The article emphasizes the importance of both decision makers and the public in implementing water policies. Decision makers set frameworks and provide resources, while public involvement ensures practical application and sustainability. Effective implementation requires ongoing dialogue and cooperation between these groups, particularly in politically unstable contexts like Myanmar. Challenges stem from weak governance and institutional fragmentation: The editorial highlights significant challenges in implementing water policies in Myanmar, such as weak institutional frameworks, poor governance, lack of political will, inadequate technical and human resources, and insufficient stakeholder engagement. These issues are compounded by a lack of coordination among government bodies, leading to overlapping responsibilities and competition, which stifle innovation and active participation. A people‐centered, inclusive approach and spiritual transformation are needed: The article proposes that a new water management paradigm should integrate socio‐technology, system science, and spiritual transformation to address water issues effectively. It argues that promoting empathy, trust, and collaborative practices can help overcome historical mistrust and trauma among different groups in Myanmar. This approach aims to foster a more inclusive, adaptable, and sustainable water policy that aligns with cultural values and promotes fair water resource sharing.

Abstract Foremost in dealing effectively with water conflicts is comprehensive analysis. The global surge in water conflicts, coupled with the imperfect success of solutions, initiatives, and policies, calls for a critical reevaluation of the paradigms that guide approaches to water conflicts. The approach taken—conflict management, resolution, or transformation—has a decisive impact on addressing water conflicts, from the initial analysis to the crafting of policies and their practical implementation. Iran is a prime example of this, with water conflicts increasing at various scales despite concerted mitigation efforts. This paper, through a qualitative content analysis of 159 peer‐reviewed papers collected via a systematic review, aims to delineate the prevailing approach to water conflict analysis within Iran's academic discourse, thereby partially shedding light on the shortcomings in both policy and practice. Water conflict resolution, and its respective models such as game theory and optimization–simulation, is the predominant approach in Iran's literature on water conflict analysis, thereby marginalizing attention dedicated to conflict management and transformation. This reflects an overarching focus on techno‐economic functions to deal with water conflicts, often overlooking the myriads of managerial and societal factors. The adoption of water conflict transformation can be vital to rectify these deficits in conflict analysis, potentially with subsequent impacts on policy and practice.

Abstract The study aimed to analyze the effect of meteorological factors (rainfall rate and temperature) on the change in land use in the marshes of the Al‐Majar Al‐Kabir region in southern Iraq. Satellite images from Landsat 7 for 2012 and Landsat 8 for 2022 were used to monitor changes in the land coverings, the images taken from the Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+) and Operational Land Imager (OLI) sensors of the Landsat satellite. Geometric correction was used to convert images into a format with precise geographic coordinates using ArcMap 10.5. The maximum likelihood classification method was used to examine satellite image data using a supervised approach, and the data were analyzed statistically. We obtained clear images of the area, through which we identified five types of lands (agriculture, bare, dry, wet, and water bodies) and calculated the differences that occurred in the land areas between 2012 and 2022. Then, we studied the change in atmospheric conditions (rainfall rate and temperature average) for the same period. The results showed that temperature increases negatively affected the types of ground cover, as the area of agricultural lands, water bodies, and wetlands decreased inversely with the temperature and directly with the rainfall. It also showed that the area of dry and bare land increased directly with the temperature rates and inversely with the rainfall, which makes these areas more susceptible to desertification. In addition, decreased rainfall highlights how crucial it is to manage water resources in marsh ecosystems. Water conservation and sustainable water use practices are two strategies that can encourage healthy plant growth, maintain appropriate soil moisture levels, and preserve the ecological functions that marshes offer.

Abstract This study focuses on assessing the seasonal variation in groundwater quality within the Al‐Hoceima region, specifically examining physicochemical parameters and bacteriological indicators of water fecal contamination. The sampling campaign took place during the wet and dry seasons of 2019 and 2021. In situ measurements were conducted on 37 groundwater samples to determine the physicochemical parameters, while bacteriological analyses were performed using Escherichia coli (E. coli) as a fecal contamination indicator. The findings demonstrate significant variations in physicochemical parameters across seasons and reveal fecal contamination of the groundwater, predominantly indicated by increased levels of E. coli during wet periods. Possible contributing factors include water surface runoff and percolation processes. Additionally, the result showed a high concentration of E. coli expected 240 CFU/100 mL. Pollution was higher in the dry season than in the wet season. These results underscore the poor quality of the water in the Al Hoceima region, necessitating treatment before consumption.

To commemorate the anniversary of the journal, we happily celebrate a full decade of engaging and influential research, some admittedly controversial policy analysis, and proudly of a growing circle of leaders who have been part of the conversation about environmental issues. From its start, the journal has been a welcome platform for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners to explore the burgeoning challenges of water scarcity, quality, and distribution that have been getting more and more serious. The journal with Jeff Camkin and Susana Neto so ably in charge has sought out innovative solutions to all the problems connected with water—and this interdisciplinary approach has been a good part of the reason for its acceptance and success. Water scholarship of course involves climate, water purification and governance issues, and the emerging concerns that link water security and public health. A key feature of the journal's influence has been its openness and candor, its fostering of dialog among diverse stakeholders. By bringing together experts from academia, government, the private sector, and civil society, the journal has played a crucial role in facilitating informed policy decisions and implementation of strategies internationally at local, national, and world levels. As we look back on the past decade, it is clear that we have just begun the debate about sustainable water management. The dialog it encourages has and will influence practical interventions that improve access to clean water and protect vital water ecosystems. Looking forward, clearly, the journal's role will be even more critical to readers as the world faces increasing pressures on water resources due to population growth, urbanization, and climate change. Its editors' continued dedication to high-quality research guarantees that it will remain at the forefront of addressing the world's water challenges. As we celebrate this important milestone, we also renew our commitment at Policy Studies Organization to the journal's mission of promoting knowledge about what is truly the essence of life. LA ESENCIA DE LA VIDA Para conmemorar el aniversario de la revista, celebramos con alegría una década completa de investigaciones interesantes e influyentes, algunos análisis de políticas ciertamente controvertidos y orgullosos de un círculo cada vez mayor de líderes que han sido parte de la conversación sobre cuestiones ambientales. Desde sus inicios, la revista ha sido una plataforma bienvenida para que académicos, formuladores de políticas y profesionales exploren los crecientes desafíos de la escasez, la calidad y la distribución del agua, que se han vuelto cada vez más serios. La revista que tan hábilmente dirigen Jeff Camkin y Susana Neto ha buscado soluciones innovadoras a todos los problemas relacionados con el agua, y este enfoque interdisciplinario ha sido en buena parte la razón de su aceptación y éxito. Los estudios sobre el agua, por supuesto, involucran cuestiones climáticas, de purificación del agua y de gobernanza, y las preocupaciones emergentes que vinculan la seguridad hídrica y la salud pública. Una característica clave de la influencia de la revista ha sido su apertura y franqueza, su fomento del diálogo entre diversas partes interesadas. Al reunir a expertos del mundo académico, el gobierno, el sector privado y la sociedad civil, la revista ha desempeñado un papel crucial a la hora de facilitar decisiones políticas informadas y la implementación de estrategias a nivel internacional a nivel local, nacional y mundial. Si echamos la vista atrás a la última década, queda claro que apenas hemos comenzado el debate sobre la gestión sostenible del agua. El diálogo que fomenta ha influido y influirá en las intervenciones prácticas que mejoran el acceso al agua potable y protegen los ecosistemas acuáticos vitales. De cara al futuro, es evidente que el papel de la revista será aún más crítico para los lectores a medida que el mundo enfrenta crecientes presiones sobre los recursos hídricos debido al crecimiento demográfico, la urbanización y el cambio climático. La continua dedicación de sus editores a la investigación de alta calidad garantiza que permanecerá a la vanguardia para abordar los desafíos del agua en el mundo. Mientras celebramos este importante hito, también renovamos nuestro compromiso en Policy Studies Organization con la misión de la revista de promover el conocimiento sobre lo que es verdaderamente la esencia de la vida. Paul Rich 生命的本质 为了纪念《世界水政策》杂志创刊十周年, 我们很高兴庆祝整十年引人入胜且具有影响力的研究、一些公认有争议的政策分析、并为越来越多的领导人参与有关环境问题的对话而感到自豪。从一开始, 该杂志就一直是学者、决策者和从业者用于探究日益严重的水资源短缺、水质和水分配等新兴挑战的平台。 由Jeff Camkin和Susana Neto担任主编的本刊为所有与水有关的问题寻找了创新的解决方案——这种跨学科方法是本刊获得认可和成功的一个重要原因。水学术当然涉及气候、水净化和治理问题, 以及将水安全和公共卫生相联系的新兴关切。 本刊影响力的一个关键特征是其开放性和坦诚性, 以及其促进不同利益攸关方之间的对话。通过汇集来自学术界、政府、私营部门和公民社会的专家, 本刊在促进地方、国家和世界各级的明智政策决策和国际战略实施方面发挥了至关重要的作用。 当我们回顾过去十年时, 很明显的是, 我们才刚刚开始关于可持续水管理的辩论。辩论所鼓励的对话已经并将影响一系列实际干预措施, 以改善清洁水的获取和保护重要的水生态系统。 展望未来, 由于人口增长、城市化和气候变化, 世界面临着越来越大的水资源压力, 本刊的作用显然会对读者而言更加重要。本刊编辑对高质量研究的持续奉献保证了其将始终处于应对世界水挑战的最前沿。在我们庆祝这一重要里程碑之际, 我们还重申政策研究组织对本刊使命的承诺, 即传播有关生命真正本质的知识。 Paul Rich