DOHA: A stronger legislation for the water sector and the use of modern techniques for effective development, management and utilisation of groundwater systems were among the major recommendations at the Second Arab Water Conference, which recently ended in Doha.
The scientific committee also recommended the use of treated sewage water for agricultural and industrial purposes, and new methods for harvesting rainwater, including the use of dedicated reservoirs wherever possible.
Adoption of advanced agriculture and irrigation standards based on the climate and topography of each country and stricter policing of pollution and contamination factors were suggested to avoid negative impact on agricultural output.
The panel stressed the importance of continuing dialogue on this important subject.
The conference also called on member states of Arab League to promote awareness and activate public service programmes to encourage rational use of water.
They were also encouraged to develop policies to raise awareness through actions, including reducing leakage in national potable water systems, improving operational efficiency of networks and plants and elevating quality standards of drinking water.
It highlighted the importance of encouraging the private sector to enter into partnerships in programmes to achieve greater water and food security in the region.
Engineer Essa bin Hilal Al Kuwari, President, Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa), and Chairman of the conference’s Executive Committee, said: “All our stakeholders were committed to addressing the critical issue of water security in the region along with their suggested ways and means to tackle the challenge.
“The issue will be pursued by leaders of the Arab world. The presence of the Prime Minister and Interior Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister, the Minister of Energy and Industry, ministers and top diplomats from the region shows the collective importance of water-related issues.
“We should continue the dialogue started in Doha at higher level to help create short- and long-term strategies for the Arab world. The expert analysis presented at the conference is of the highest quality and we hope it will be the road map for policymaking in our region,” he said.
The conference included scientific sessions that reviewed studies by experts from the region. The concluded sessions covered water and food security and adoption of modern techniques and methodologies to ensure sustainability and promote rational management of natural resources.
Arab League Representative, Dr Jamaleddine Jaballah, said the scientific platform offered by the conference was the ideal way to meet geographically distinct challenges faced by the region and the Arab Ministerial Water Council will continue to promote the preservation and optimal use of this invaluable source of life.
The Peninsula
