Dubai, 8th Jan. 2014 (WAM) -- The Ministry of Environment and Water is teaming up with the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) to organise on 14th January 2014the Conference on the Use of Treated Wastewater (TWW) in the Agricultural Production in the Arab World: Current Status and Future Prospective Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance.
A group of Arab and GCC ministers, representatives of government department and agencies responsible for treated wastewater production, municipal officials, and experts from international specialised organisations including the FAO, will attend the three-day event. In a press conference to announce the details of the event, Saif Mohammed Al Shara, Assistant Undersecretary for Agricultural and Animal Affairs, Ministry of Environment and Water, said using non-conventional water resources had become a necessary option to ease pressure on fresh water resources. He added that conference aims to explore policy support in the region for the use of TWW in agriculture; review the current status of the use of TWW in agriculture in the world with an emphasis on the Arab World, including best management practices, guidelines, regulations, policies and strategies, and explore the future potential of TWW in agriculture in the Arab World. Dr. Asmhan Al Wafi, Director General of ICBA, said policy makers, representatives of regional and international organizations like World Bank, Arab League, WHO, delegates of the Arab countries and international experts will discuss a range of topics including treated wastewater in 21st century agriculture, global and regional outlook on TWW resources, technology and use, TWW resources and use in agricultural production and environmental impact and health aspects: (Soil, Water and Health Impact). Organisers say the MENA region is the most water scarce region of the world with 1.3% of the world?s renewable fresh water. Ninety percent of its land is located in dry and semi-dry areas. In addition to water scarcity, population increase, economic growth, improvement of the living standards, industrialization and tourism have put more pressure on water resources and their use. Scarcity of water resources are further aggravated by the impact of climate changes particularly the evident decrease in rainfall and increase in temperatures. The amount of wastewater is estimated to be around 10.9 billion cubic meters per year according to FAO estimation. This amount may reach more than that once the available data is updated. The amount of treated wastewater is about 50% of the available wastewater, which part of it is used for agricultural, landscaping, industrial and environmental purposes. The International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) considers TWW as a valuable source in the region?s water balance if used safely. The use of TWW will also contribute to enhancing the productivity and income of farmers in the regions.Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2014.
