Latest news with #climateresilience
Zawya
6 days ago
- Science
- Zawya
ICBA concludes participation at Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition 2025
Dubai, UAE – The International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) concluded its participation at the Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition 2025, held from 28 to 31 May at the ADNEC Centre in Al Ain. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the UAE, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, the event served as a national platform to highlight agricultural research, foster collaboration across sectors, and advance sustainable solutions for food and water security—reinforcing ICBA's leadership in science and innovation for arid and saline environments. ICBA's booth, attracted wide interest from visitors, including government officials, high-level dignitaries, international partners, as well as researchers, students, and private sector representatives. Under the theme 'From the UAE to the World: 25 Years of Innovation in Resilient Agriculture,' ICBA presented a comprehensive overview of its core research areas, including water and soil management, digital agriculture, and the development of climate-resilient crops. The exhibit featured scientific publications, interactive displays of field projects, and visual presentations of ICBA's successful experiences with farmers, women, and youth across the region. ICBA also showcased samples from its gene bank, featuring drought-, heat-, and salt-tolerant seed varieties, along with food products developed from locally adapted crops such as Emirati quinoa, millet, and sorghum—offering practical solutions to enhance food security in arid and saline environments. 'At ICBA, our mission is to harness science and innovation to address the complex agricultural challenges facing saline and resource-constrained environments,' said Dr. Tarifa Alzaabi, Director General of ICBA. 'Participating in the Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition provided an important platform to share our scientific insights, engage with partners, and reinforce the role of research in driving sustainable transformation. We are committed to developing climate-resilient solutions that advance food and water security, support national priorities, and empower farmers, women, and youth to thrive in the face of environmental change.' As part of the conference's central agenda, Dr. Tarifa Alzaabi, Director General of ICBA, participated in a high-level panel discussion titled 'The Role of International Organisations in Advancing a Sustainable Food Security Ecosystem'. The session explored collaborative pathways for improving food system resilience through science and innovation. In her intervention, Dr. Alzaabi emphasized ICBA's mandate to generate evidence-based, climate-smart solutions that are adapted to the needs of resource-constrained environments. Dr. Tarifa outlined how ICBA leverages its scientific expertise, strategic partnerships, and regional knowledge to support agricultural transformation in alignment with national and global sustainability goals. A highlight of ICBA's participation was the renewal of cooperation agreement with the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), reinforcing a long-standing partnership focused on promoting sustainable agricultural development in marginal environments. Equally notable was the signing of a new MoU with Aspire, aimed at advancing innovation in sustainable agriculture for saline and arid regions. This collaboration will support the development of AI-powered tools for smart irrigation, climate-resilient farming systems, and renewable energy integration, positioning the UAE at the forefront of agricultural technology and climate adaptation. ICBA also concluded its public engagement activities with a well-attended workshopintroducing visitors, particularly youth and families, to the ecological importance of native species, biodiversity, and the role of healthy soils in sustaining agricultural productivity. This reflects the Center's role in promoting hands-on activities and community dialogue, as well as its continued commitment to environmental awareness and community education. As it marks 25 years of impact, ICBA continues to advance its mission by developing innovative agricultural practices tailored to the realities of saline and arid regions. Through its research programs, capacity-building efforts, and strategic collaborations, ICBA remains a key contributor to building resilient, inclusive, and sustainable food systems.
Zawya
30-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
FAO signs $33mln agreement to enhance treated wastewater use in southern Jordan
AMMAN — As part of national efforts to transform water use and management, the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the UN (FAO) has signed an agreement with Consolidated Consultants for Engineering and Environment to provide consultancy services for the design and supervision of treated wastewater storage ponds. The agreement, signed at the FAO office in Amman, falls under the 'Building Resilience to Climate Change in Jordan through Improving Water Use Efficiency in the Agriculture Sector' (BRCCJ) project. The project aims to reduce the environmental impact of reclaimed water while enhancing climate resilience and water security in the agricultural sector, according to a statement by the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation. The new partnership will support the regulation and expansion of treated wastewater usage from three wastewater treatment plants in Madaba, Mutah and Tafileh, by improving irrigation infrastructure and preparing tender documents for the construction of dedicated storage ponds to help farming communities cope with the dual pressures of water scarcity and climate change. The BRCCJ project is funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and implemented by FAO in cooperation with the ministries of water and irrigation, agriculture, environment, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). It is also part of the Economic Modernisation Vision Executive Programme, which aims to build sustainable and climate-resilient development pathways across the Kingdom, according to the statement. During the signing ceremony, FAO Representative in Jordan Nabil Assaf said, 'This agreement marks a critical step under Component 1 of the BRCCJ project, which focuses on building climate-resilient water systems to enhance water security.' He added, 'Water scarcity is one of Jordan's most pressing challenges, and climate change is exacerbating the situation. This project supports Jordan's Green Growth Plan and water strategies by promoting efficient and safe reuse of treated wastewater in line with Jordanian Standard No. 893:2021.' Assaf also noted that once the project is completed, additional volumes of treated water would be made available to farmers during the high-demand summer months. 'Maximising the reuse of treated water is essential to preserving Jordan's limited water resources and raising awareness of the water crisis,' he said. Hanan Awad, representing Consolidated Consultants, expressed appreciation to FAO for the opportunity to contribute to national water sustainability efforts. 'We are committed to delivering this project to the highest standards and to making a meaningful contribution to sustainable water management in Jordan,' she said. 'We look forward to playing a role in enhancing the use of treated wastewater as a reliable water source in line with national and international efforts to combat water scarcity and strengthen community resilience to climate change.' Valued at $33.25 million, the BRCCJ project targets four governorates within the Dead Sea Basin—Madaba, Karak, Tafileh, and Maan—which are particularly vulnerable to climate-related water stress. JT
Zawya
28-05-2025
- General
- Zawya
IWMI partners ECOWAS, Sierra Leone to boost regional water security
The International Water Management Institute (IWMI), a global research-for-development organisation focused on solving water challenges in developing countries, has announced two major partnerships aimed at enhancing water security, climate resilience, and policy innovation across West Africa and the Sahel. A five-year agreement was signed with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission to strengthen the governance of transboundary water resources across member states. The partnership will support the co-development of digital tools for drought and flood forecasting, facilitate knowledge and data exchange through regional platforms, and promote biodiversity conservation and resilience within agrifood systems. IWMI also formalised a new collaboration with Sierra Leone's National Water Resources Management Agency (NWRMA), centred on research, innovation, and capacity building for sustainable water and land management. The agreement with NWRMA, also spanning five years, will support the development of early warning systems, knowledge-sharing platforms, inclusive governance structures, and climate-smart tools to bolster water security in the country. The memoranda of understanding (MoUs) were signed on 19 May 2025 in Accra, Ghana, and are seen as a significant step towards advancing regional cooperation on water and climate issues. 'These partnerships signal a shared regional commitment to science-driven, inclusive water governance. By aligning efforts, we can tackle climate risks, advance food and water security, and drive meaningful impact across the region,' said Olufunke Cofie, IWMI's Africa Director for Research Impact. Director of the ECOWAS Water Resources Management Centre, Kouassi Kouakou Alexis, also commended the collaboration, saying, 'It is great for us to have this kind of support from IWMI to do our best for the ECOWAS community. Let us continue to work together to have a concrete impact on our populations through water management in the region.' Similarly, the Director of Hydrological Services at NWRMA, Mohamed Sahr E. Juanah, remarked, 'Sierra Leone has many water challenges and when looking for partnerships to solve this problem, there is no better organisation than IWMI. This is just the start of a long journey, however, with unity and determination we believe we can achieve our goals.' The signing ceremony was attended by IWMI's management and members of its Board of Governors, alongside representatives from ECOWAS, NWRMA, and other regional stakeholders committed to enhancing climate resilience and sustainable water management. The partnerships align with IWMI's West and Central Africa Roadmap 2024–2030, which prioritises resilient agrifood systems, transboundary water governance, climate-risk mitigation, digital innovation, water infrastructure, circular economy principles, gender equality, social inclusion, and capacity building. These initiatives are expected to harness earth observation technologies, inclusive research, and regional cooperation to address urgent challenges such as water scarcity, climate variability, and rural poverty.
Zawya
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Minister Ronald Lamola attends Fourth Joint Cooperation Commission between South Africa and the Netherlands
The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa, Mr Ronald Lamola, has arrived in The Hague, Kingdom of the Netherlands, to co-chair the Fourth Biennial Joint Cooperation Commission (JCC) alongside Mr Caspar Veldkamp, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands. This high-level dialogue underscores the enduring partnership between the two nations, rooted in shared values and a commitment to advancing mutual priorities across strategic sectors. The JCC serves as a cornerstone of bilateral relations, fostering collaboration in areas critical to sustainable development and inclusive growth. Key focal points of this year's discussions include advancing cooperation in agriculture, water and waste management, and energy security, reflecting both nations' dedication to climate resilience and food sustainability. Cyber-security, innovations in digitalisation, trade and investment, and higher education, science, and innovation will also feature prominently, highlighting the role of technology and knowledge exchange in driving economic progress. Further, the Commission will deepen partnerships in arts and culture to strengthen people-to-people ties. Environmental stewardship remains a shared priority, with joint initiatives aimed at protecting ecosystems and advancing green transitions. Minister Lamola emphasised the importance of the JCC as a platform to deepen South Africa's engagement with the Netherlands, stating, 'Our collaboration transcends traditional diplomacy, embracing pragmatic solutions to global challenges. By aligning our expertise in these pivotal sectors, we reaffirm our commitment to a future marked by equity, innovation, and shared prosperity.' The outcomes of the JCC are expected to yield actionable frameworks to enhance bilateral cooperation, reinforcing the robust ties between South Africa and the Netherlands. Both nations remain steadfast in their resolve to leverage this partnership for the benefit of their citizens.
Bloomberg
11-05-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
Stock Bulls in India, Pakistan Anticipate Rebound After Truce
Stocks in India and Pakistan are set for a relief rally following a surprise ceasefire agreement between the two nuclear-armed neighbors on Saturday, as investor focus shifts back to improving economic outlook. Foreign investors, who had been on a 16-day buying streak in Indian shares until the clashes flared up Friday, may resume flows as volatility subsides. Meanwhile, in Pakistan, the International Monetary Fund's approval of $1 billion in immediate disbursement along with a new $1.4 billion plan for climate resilience will be a booster for its fragile finances.
