Middle East

Blue Peace Middle East Media Hub

PUBLICATION
February 18, 2026
Summary
The first regional incubator dedicated to empowering journalists with the skills to report on complex transboundary water and Water‑Energy‑Food‑Ecosystem (WEFE) challenges through evidence‑based storytelling - bringing together 21 emerging media professionals from Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Türkiye, and Iran.

Water does not stop at borders. Neither should journalism.

Through the Blue Peace Middle East Junior Media Hub, young journalists from across the region explored the intersection of water, climate change, environmental security and transboundary cooperation. Their investigative articles, opinion pieces, podcasts and documentaries address drought, dust storms, groundwater depletion, wetlands, shared rivers and the future of water dependent communities.

The Blue Piece Middle East Media Hub strengthens evidence based reporting and empowers a new generation of storytellers to shape the regional water discourse. The result is a collection of media contributions published across leading regional outlets, contributing to a more informed and solution oriented debate on water governance in the Middle East.

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Investigative Journalism

Climate Change Driven Groundwater Loss Accelerates Sinkholes in the Middle East

A deep dive into how groundwater depletion and climate pressure are reshaping fragile landscapes and threatening communities across borders.
Published in: Anadolu Ajansı
Read the article: https://www.aa.com.tr/en/greenline/agriculture/climate-change-driven-groundwater-loss-accelerates-sinkholes-in-the-middle-east/182920

A Perspective on the Causes of Water Waste in Iraq and Jordan

An analytical look at structural inefficiencies, governance gaps and behavioral patterns contributing to water loss, and what systemic reform could look like.
Published in: Iraqi News Agency
Read the article: https://ina.iq/en/articles/42175-a-perspective-on-the-causes-of-water-waste-ways-to-address-it-in-iraq-and-jordan.html

Wildfires Threaten Forests in Jordan, Iraq and the Solar Future

Exploring how climate stress, land degradation and energy transitions intersect in a region facing increasing environmental risks.
Published in: The Jordan Times
Read the article: https://jordantimes.com/news/features/wildfires-threaten-forests-in-jordan-iraq-and-solar-future

Dialogue for a Sustainable Future: Shared Heritage of Hur Al Azim Wetland

A cross border perspective on wetland protection, environmental diplomacy and the role of shared ecosystems in fostering cooperation.
Published in: Iraqi News Agency
Read the article: https://ina.iq/en/articles/42614-dialogue-for-a-sustainable-future-shared-heritage-of-hur-al-azim-wetland.html

Salty Water, Shared Suffering: Shatt al Arab Drought

A critical investigation into upstream management, salinity and the human impact of declining river flows in Iraq.
Published in: L’Orient Today
Read the article: https://today.lorientlejour.com/article/shatt-al-arab-drought

Dust Storms Threaten the Region’s Environmental Security

An evidence based assessment of how increasing dust storms are linked to land degradation, water mismanagement and regional instability.
Published in: Iraqi News Agency
Read the article: https://ina.iq/en/articles/42195-dust-storms-threaten-the-regions-environmental-security.html

Advocacy and Awareness

Between Sinjar and Idlib: A Story of Resilience in the Face of Drought

An awareness raising piece connecting agricultural livelihoods, climate pressure and cross border solidarity.
Published in: Green Future
Read the article: https://greenfue.com

Dust Knows No Borders

An opinion piece calling for coordinated regional action against transboundary dust storms and environmental degradation.
Published in: Climate in Arabic
Read the article: https://climateinarabic.com

Voices of Women Saving Hur Al Azim Wetland

Highlighting the role of women in environmental protection and local climate action.
Published in: Climate in Arabic
Read the article: https://climateinarabic.com/voices-of-women-save-hur-al-azim-wetland-hwaizeh/

Podcasts

Beyond the Horizon: Youth for a Water Sustainable World

A podcast conversation exploring how young professionals see the future of water cooperation in the region.
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/46sMnA5Gi8XfX3Wr3hJo2G

Azraq Water Oases: The Story of Nature and Water

A narrative exploration of water heritage, ecosystems and resilience in arid environments.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/lb/podcast/azraq-water-oases-the-story-of-nature-and-water/id1850401587

Documentary and Video Journalism

Middle East Under Drought Pressure

A visual report on agricultural stress, climate variability and water scarcity across the region.
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/VmoGvlrwViA

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Talar Kokjian
Project Manager
MENA