Water cooperation, use of marginal water in protected agriculture and water scarcity were the main focus of the World and Arab Water day in Dubai this year.

To celebrate the day the Ministry of Environment and Water jointly with the UN Food and Agriculture Organization held a national seminar that was attended by representatives from the government, UN agencies, private sector, civil society, and regional organizations.

H.E. Dr. Rashid Ahmad Bin Fahad addressed, in his speech, the pressing need of the Arab region to make an efficient and productive use of the limited fresh water resources. “Cooperation among governments and international bodies is of a paramount importance to achieve this goal and ensure sustainability to the management of the limited natural resources in the region”, he said.

During the seminar the goal and objectives of the FAO-led regional initiative on Water Scarcity were introduced to participants. “Boosting agriculture productivity and improving food security are just some of the benefits coming from a better and more sustainable management of water. The joint support of partners from the region to achieve this important development goal is the precondition to move this process forward”, stated Mr. Abdu Alassiri, FAO coordinator for the Gulf sub-region in his intervention.