Minister Highlights Water Harvesting as Key to Addressing Climate Change

Amman, February 3 (Petra) – Minister of Water and Irrigation Raed Abu Saud underscored the priority of water harvesting in mitigating the effects of climate change and addressing water resource depletion, emphasizing the need to enhance storage capacity in dams and adopt modern technologies in water management.

Speaking at a scientific symposium organized by the ministry in collaboration with the Geologists Syndicate, Abu Saud highlighted the increasing importance of water harvesting amid regional water challenges. He noted that techniques such as small dams, groundwater reservoirs, earthen ponds, and rooftop rainwater collection systems can help reduce water loss, improve resource sustainability, and strengthen rural and urban communities’ resilience to water scarcity.

He also stressed the need to raise awareness about water harvesting, promote its adoption across sectors, and support it through government policies and technological investments. Additionally, he called for private sector engagement to ensure the efficient management of water resources and the integration of institutional efforts to achieve national water sustainability goals.

Secretary-General of the Jordan Valley Authority, Hisham Haisa, highlighted the importance of collaboration between unions and academic experts within the framework of the national water strategy and the Jordan Valley Authority’s initiatives. He underscored the role of scientific knowledge and research in addressing Jordan’s water challenges.

Geologists Syndicate President Khaled Shawabkeh emphasized the significance of effective water resource management in a country facing severe water scarcity. He pointed to the critical role of dams in ensuring the sustainability of water supplies in the face of climate change and called for increased national investment in water security infrastructure, particularly at the household, agricultural, and institutional levels.

The event featured discussions and expert lectures on water management, agriculture, and climate change, providing a platform for participants to explore collaboration opportunities between government institutions, universities, and professional associations to advance scientific research and development in the water sector.

//Petra// AJ
03/02/2025 13:58:23