The 3rd Stakeholder Workshop for the Orontes River Basin was held in Lebanon on October 2nd, 2025.
The workshop included technical presentations and a serious game, called Scenathon and designed by the project team. This the methodology used in TRANSCEND to engage stakeholders in exploring water scarcity and climate change adaptation under deep uncertainty.
Discussions highlighted the basin’s growing vulnerability, with projections showing rising winter temperatures, declining precipitation, and reduced river flow. Data uncertainty was recognized as a key challenge, reinforcing the need for robust planning approaches.
Through the Scenathon, stakeholders simulated decisions on cropping patterns, water allocation, and economic tradeoffs under both moderate (SSP1-2.6) and high-emission (SSP5-8.5) scenarios. Results showed that while reduced irrigation improved groundwater and river flow, it significantly lowered economic returns. Mixed strategies emerged as the most effective, balancing environmental sustainability with partial economic gains.
The exercise showed the distinct priorities of ministries and institutions, while demonstrating that long-term sustainability of groundwater reserves must be central to future planning. Governance discussions further emphasized the importance of inter-ministerial cooperation, clear regulations on water extraction, and coordinated policy development.
The workshop concluded that preparing for an uncertain climate future requires stronger collaboration, integrated governance, and strategies that safeguard both water resources and livelihoods.
