Riyadh, February 28, 2024, The scientific sessions of the First Regional Conference for Irrigation and Agricultural Drainage in the Middle East, organized by the Saudi Irrigation Organization under the theme "Integrated Management of the Irrigation Sector for Flexible and Sustainable Development," successfully concluded today.
Held in collaboration with the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage, the conference took place in Riyadh on Tuesday, under the patronage of Eng. Abdulrahman bin Abdulmohsen Al-Fadhli, the Saudi Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture.
Featuring the participation of 54 speakers from the Middle East and beyond, the conference addressed critical issues related to the management of water resources and the optimization of renewable sources to meet the growing demand for water in agriculture. Emphasis was placed on designing sustainable solutions and leveraging modern technologies to achieve these objectives.
On the first day of the conference, four sessions were conducted, with one focusing on "Confronting Climate Risks and Mitigating Their Impacts on Water Resources." This session delved into sustainable and innovative solutions, promoting international cooperation to address significant water challenges posed by climate change and water scarcity.
The second day of the conference featured four additional sessions, including one that explored "The Role of Reusing Treated Water as a Basis for Water Management Flexibility." Several memoranda of understanding were signed during the event, and sponsors participating in the conference were duly honored.
Complementing the sessions were four workshops, covering topics such as the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and remote sensing in innovation for irrigation water sustainability, dam management for irrigation purposes, water harvesting techniques, community involvement in managing and improving irrigation water distribution, and strategies to enhance irrigation and drainage efficiency for agricultural sector sustainability. The conference provided a platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration, contributing to advancements in irrigation and agricultural practices in the Middle East.
