ABSTRACT
Virtual water allows some countries to support other countries in their water needs. As opposed to producing these goods themselves, the importing country can utilize this water for other purposes. Therefore, a water-scarce country can import products that require a lot of water for their production rather than producing them domestically. By doing so, real water savings can be attained relieving the pressure on the water resources worldwide. Nevertheless, importing countries need not to be water-poor or water-short to a receiver of thisVirtualWater. For example, the bananas and citrus are imported by Canada, which is very rich in water resources, from Central America. Conversely, some high water short countries like Jordan or Gaza both export food commodities (citrus, vegetables).Therefore, virtual water trade among nations and even continents could thus ideally be used as an instrument to improve global water use efficiency, to achieve water security in water-poor regions of the world and to alleviate the constraints on the environment by using best suited production sites. As sustainable development, the conceptual framework of integrated water resources management consists of several dimensions. In this case the characteristics of the virtual water trade concept and model are located within three main disciplines and theories. The new developments within water, development and regionalism suggest a new approach to regional development is necessary.
