FAO at the 4th World Water Forum, Mexico City, 16-22 March 2006

“Opportunity untapped”. The 4th World Water Forum takes place between 16 and 23 March 2006 in Mexico City under the theme “Local actions for a global challenge”. FAO’s participation focuses on the role of water for food, agriculture and rural livelihood and its objective is to raise awareness about the complex challenge facing agriculture today.

Producing more food of better quality while using less water per unit of output; providing rural people with resources and opportunities to live a healthy and productive life; applying clean technologies that ensure environmental sustainability; and making positive contributions to local and national economies are of prime importance everywhere, in particular in developing countries. More on FAO's response to these challenges can be found here: English Spanish

20 March, the day of agriculture
On 20 March, FAO hosts a session on Water for food and ecosystems – The way forward that discusses the complex interaction between development and the maintenance of the natural resources base. It is also co-organiser of the following sessions, all taking place on 20 March:

• Opportunities for investments in agricultural water management in Africa
• The Comprehensive Assessment of water management in agriculture
• Financing water for agriculture
• Capacity building in the irrigation and drainage sector

All those present in Mexico during the Forum are invited to attend the FAO sessions. FAO is also present at the World Water Fair which takes place during the same week in the BANAMEX Center and visitors are welcome at exposition booth No 80 where they can find all information on FAO’s water and agriculture programme.