The Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD) has developed a strategic plan for the management of the emirate’s water resources to combat the threat of severe shortages in future.

The master plan calls for the adoption of stringent eco-friendly measures to increase water production in Abu Dhabi and urges the government to implement water policies to reduce wastage, delegates at the Agribusiness Outlook Forum in Dubai were told.
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Dr Mohamed Dawoud, EAD’s water resources manager, said Abu Dhabi has one of the highest per capita water consumptions in the world, with an average consumption of 550 litres of water per person per day.

“This consumption, combined with the predicted population growth in Abu Dhabi to 3.5 million in 2030, means we could face severe water shortages in the future, and need to rethink about water usage efficiency now,” said Dr Dawoud.

 “This master plan is an initiative that seeks to implement measures for limiting depletion of natural resources, and at the same time increase water usage efficiency in different sectors, including the agricultural sector,” he said.
“Governments are making efforts to improve water usage efficiency in agriculture through four main pillars - policy and strategy, technologies, legislations and regulations, and education and awareness - to increase the economic value of water and efficient use by farm owners,” he said.

Dr Dawoud was addressing delegates on the Abu Dhabi government’s approach for improving water use in agriculture and the role of the 2030 Master Plan at the Agribusiness Outlook Forum.

The forum is a feature of the Agra and Vet Middle East exhibitions at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition centre, which concluded today.

He said investment in the latest agricultural technologies and automated irrigation methods, such greenhouses using hydroponic systems, can save up to 40 per cent of water in agriculture, and deliver healthier produce.

Richard Pavitt, exhibition director of Afra Middle East and Vet Middle East, said: “The 2030 master plan provides an interesting insight into the current water scenario in the emirate of Abu Dhabi and addresses important issues of water supply and also underlines efficient water usage techniques.” – TradeArabia News Service