Amman: Minister of Water, Raed Abu Saud, and Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Nabil Assaf, engaged in discussions about the Regional Initiative on Water Scarcity for the Near East and North Africa.
According to Jordan News Agency, the initiative is designed to support strategic planning and improve water resource management. It aims to promote the use of non-conventional water sources, ensure water sustainability, enhance governance in agricultural water use, strengthen the resilience of food systems and water services to climate change, and foster knowledge-sharing through regional cooperation.
Saud emphasized the initiative’s role in addressing Jordan’s water challenges and those of the broader region. He detailed national efforts focused on safeguarding water sustainability through strategic planning and innovative solutions.
He mentioned that the initiative provides a valuable platform for improving water resource management and planning, promoting sustainable water use in agriculture, developing technical capacities, raising awareness, and facilitating the exchange of knowledge and best practices.
Additionally, Saud noted that the ministry, in collaboration with key stakeholders, aims to implement integrated water resource management, strengthen water governance, and enhance the flexibility and security of water services. The initiative also seeks to introduce modern irrigation and agricultural technologies to bolster food security and counter climate change, while reinforcing regional cooperation for sustainable water resource management.
In his remarks, Assaf underscored the importance of partnerships in addressing regional water scarcity. He highlighted challenges such as climate change, irregular rainfall, and declining water quality, all of which impact food availability across the region.