Delegation from the Agriculture Affairs Participates in Groundwater Management Workshop in Tunisia
A delegation from the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture, including Eng. Mohammed Al-Araibi, Assistant Undersecretary for Agriculture Affairs, and Eng. Jaafar Al-Tajer, Director of the Local Agricultural Production Directorate, took part in a workshop entitled "Enhancing the Understanding and Expanding Regional Cooperation on Groundwater Management in the Arab Region." The workshop was organized by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) in Tunis, the capital of Tunisia.
The Bahraini delegation delivered a comprehensive presentation on the national systems implemented for water resource management within the ministry. The presentation covered several key aspects, including an overview of Bahrain’s adopted systems, effective groundwater management strategies, and the main policies and strategies in place to ensure the sustainability of water resources and enhance usage efficiency.
The presentation highlighted methods for data collection and analysis, which play a crucial role in supporting informed decision-making in water management. Additionally, a model was showcased on how groundwater data is transparently shared, fostering trust and encouraging collaboration among various stakeholders.
The workshop aimed to assess the environmental impacts on groundwater resources, review recent initiatives in groundwater management, and explore the use of mathematical models and remote sensing systems for groundwater assessment.
The workshop included a set of key themes aimed at enhancing national capabilities and improving water management strategies in Arab countries including developing national capacities by emphasizing the importance of linking policies related to groundwater management with the development of local capabilities, assessing the environmental impact on groundwater resources and exploring ways to mitigate the effects of climate change, reviewing recent initiatives by presenting successful experiences and new initiatives in groundwater management from various Arab countries, using geological assessment models, such as the GRACE model, as an effective tool for evaluating groundwater and its role in improving management strategies.
The workshop program also included discussions on successful international experiences in groundwater management and how these can be applied in the region. It was emphasized that the development of effective policies is essential to support the sustainability of water resources and ensure water availability for future generations.
The participation of the Bahraini delegation aligns with the Kingdom of Bahrain's efforts to strengthen regional cooperation and exchange knowledge and expertise in water management, contributing to sustainable development and ensuring the effective use of water resources.
