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‘Undesirable’ Red-Dead canal deemed “feasible”

3 April 2013

The $10 billion Red Sea-Dead Sea water conveyance project, a proposed 180 km pipeline and desalination plant in Jordan to transport water from the Red Sea to the Dead Sea (see Update 80, 77), was found to be technically feasible by a Bank-funded study released in January. The project, which aims to “save the Dead Sea from environmental degradation” and increase hydro-power whilst building “a symbol of peace” was criticised during the March public consultation period for its impact on water usage and the environment. NGO Friends of the Earth Middle East opposed the project, saying it “will not save the Dead Sea from environmental degradation”, instead “it threatens other critical natural and heritage resources in its path” and will induce “major Disneyland-style development”.