On top of dealing with climate change impacts on rainfall and temperature, and rising populations and development, the Euphrates–Tigris basin also faces conflict and instability. The Syrian Civil War, the presence of many nonstate armed groups, and the lack of coordination between Turkey, Syria, and Iraq to manage the water resources can lead to continued political confrontation and economic disintegration. This complicates the existent issue of nexus in the Euphrates–Tigris basin. The conflicting needs of energy, water, and food require more coordination not just between countries but between sectors within the countries. Each sector must be allocated a certain amount of water based on the needs it fulfills for the country. If violence continues and instability in the region is not resolved, these demands may increase and further pressure the basin.

This chapter reviews the role of irrigation districts, city water utilities, and environmental groups in basin management. Examples from two river basins – Rio Grande and Euphrates–Tigris – illustrate vast differences in stakeholder participation. The authors recommend that all SERIDAS rivers pay increased attention to this option for better management. The four options for creating sub-basin water councils recommended for the Rio Grande provide useful guidance. Other models, reflecting different basin conditions, may emerge. Whatever model is selected, stakeholders should always organize to address the water agenda of their sub-basin. Doing so directly contributes to reaching and maintaining sustainability of the river as a whole.