Webinar Series for Unlocking the Potential of Treated Wastewater and Drainage Water for Agriculture Development

The Near East and North Africa region have the lowest reserves of freshwater resources in the world. Water availability has been decreasing by two thirds over the last 40 years. Due to this growing water scarcity, changing climatic conditions, and increasing water demands, the region is expected to experience economic losses estimated at 6 -14% of GDP by 2050. By that time, 60% more freshwater resources will be needed to satisfy the growing global demand for food.

In this context and within the framework of the Regional Water Scarcity Initiative (WSI), FAO and its partners are continuing to support - more than ever before - countries in the region in addressing their most pressing challenges: assessing food and water security for sustainable economic and social development. To prevent acute water shortages, the reuse of non-conventional water resources for agricultural production is emerging as a priority for most countries.

Within this framework, FAO and its partners - ICBA, IWMI, WHO, and IME - joined forces to organize a webinar series for improved regional cooperation between countries in the field of non-conventional water reuse for agricultural development. These webinars will enhance knowledge and information on the safe use of treated wastewater and drainage water in agriculture. Some of them will focus on policy dialogue for strategies and initiatives promoting non-conventional water reuse in the region.

Agenda (Time is based on Tunisia)

Wednesday November 25th, 2020
11:00 - 11:10	Moderator of Webinar #3: Dr. Khalil Ahmed Ammar, Principal Scientist in Hydrology / Hydrogeology (ICBA)
11:10 - 11:40	Presentations of the keynote speakers: Dr. Safwat Abdel Dayem, World Bank Former Drainage Advisor and Arab Water Council Senior advisor (AWC) Dr. Titia de Mes, Discipline Lead – (Stantec)
11:40 -12:10	Questions and answers with Panelists Dr. Mohamed AlHamdi, Senior Land and Water Officer (FAO RNE) Dr. Amgad Elmahdi, Head of MENA Region, Principal Researcher (IWMI) Dr. Rola Al-Emam, Technical Officer, Occupational Health and Waste Management (WHO - CEHA - EMR) Dr. Kamel Amer, Director of Middle Regional Office (AOAD)
12:10 -12:25	Questions from participants
12:25 -12:30	Wrap up:  Dr. Maki Abdourahman, Land and Water Officer (FAO SNE)

For registeration: https://fao.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_oneYABgcR8WGkYIMNnYkNA

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.