ICID STATEMENTS/DECLARATIONS

 

LAHORE DECLARATION
  
TEHRAN DECLARATION
KUALA LUMPUR STATEMENT
THE BEIJING DECLARATION
MOSCOW DECLARATION
UTRECHT DECLARATION
THE MONTREAL DECLARATION
YALTA DECLARATION
SEOUL DECLARATION
CAPE TOWN DECLARATION
CONCLUSION OF TOKYO WORKSHOP
NEW DELHI DECLARATION
GRANADA ICID DECLARATION
BALI DECLARATION

ICID - CAIRO STATEMENT

THE HAGUE ICID DECLARATION

 



THE HAGUE ICID DECLARATION

World population is expected to exceed six billion by the end of the century with 90 per cent living in developing countries. Based on current trends, population growth may exceed increases in food production.

During the past four decades, irrigation and drainage have contributed significantly to the increase in food production. Today, a meagre one-sixth of cropped lands that is irrigated produces one-third of the world's harvest of food crops. Drainage has enhanced the productivity of another tenth of cropped lands. These contributions are not without costs. Irrigated agriculture consumes 70 to 80 per cent of the fresh water used in developing countries. Drainage of agricultural lands impacts downstream water quality. The performance of many irrigation schemes is below their potential levels. Globally, about two-fifths (100 million hectares) of irrigated lands are at risk from waterlogging or salinization, or are already affected. Future growth in irrigated agriculture will be limited by the scarcity of water and land, by increasing competition for water, by the degradation of the environment, by the rising cost of development, by the deterioration of existing systems, and, finally, by the inadequacies of management.

Fresh water is a finite and vulnerable resource having an economic value with social, economic and environmental implications. The Earth Summit (Rio de Janeiro, June 1992) set formidable challenges for the development of water resources and agricultural production. AGENDA 21 of the Earth Summit sets the targets for increasing sustainable crop production at 3 to 4 % per annum including the increase in productivity of existing irrigation schemes. These targets will ensure that future degradation of land and water resources is avoided or even reversed.

The International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID) has a half century of experience in the promotion and transfer of water management technology and in the handling of related issues. Building on its past experience, accomplishments, and the comprehensive water management framework, about 750 participants from 65 countries, meeting in The Hague from the 6th to the 11th of September, 1993, at the 15th ICID Congress, addressed the theme of "Water Management in the Next Century".

Actions resulting from these discussions are :

  1. ICID will promote new programs for water savings in agriculture to enable the release of water for other emerging high priority uses.
  2. ICID will encourage irrigation and drainage agencies to optimize the use of resources and adopt holistic and multi-disciplinary approaches to the planning of irrigation and drainage systems which, in large measure, are the keys to attaining sustainable schemes.
  3. ICID will promote programs to enhance the productivity of water at both the farm and system levels, and to ensure equity in the distribution of irrigation water, the sustainability of development and the protection of the environment.
  4. ICID will launch public awareness and participation programs in association with other agencies on the annual World Water Day, 22nd of March, as established by the United Nations.
  5. Irrigation and drainage agencies will be encouraged to increase participation of farmer organizations in the operation, maintenance and management of irrigation and drainage systems.
  6. ICID will promote international cooperation in the management of international river basins.
  7. ICID will promote special programs in irrigation, drainage, and water management in Africa and other water-stressed areas.
  8. ICID will develop area-oriented plans for the management of droughts and floods.
  9. ICID and its national committees will broaden their memberships and develop young professionals from whom future leaders will emerge.
  10. Programs will be undertaken to exchange appropriate technology among national committees, planners, designers and managers of irrigation systems.

ICID's Action Plan will have APPROPRIATE WATER MANAGEMENT as its central theme. It will be implemented in close cooperation with other international agencies. National Committees will develop their own action agendas in support of this central theme, focusing on water saving and improving the performance of irrigation and drainage schemes, while, at the same time, ensuring increases in food production. This sets ICID on a new challenging path for water management in the 21st century.


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ICID - CAIRO STATEMENT

September 1996

The International Congress on Sustainability of Irrigated Agriculture held in Cairo with 900 participants from 64 countries of the world noted the important role that will have to be played by irrigated agriculture for feeding the increasing number of people on this globe. The challenge is that increase in food production and rural wealth will have to take place under conditions of less water and less public funds available for irrigation and drainage works. Food security which is also closely linked with water security will have to be achieved under conditions of natural variability in supply and climate change.

The environmental, technical, financial, economic and social aspects of sustainability of irrigation and drainage systems will require closer attention and continuous monitoring. For this purpose comprehensive information systems will have to be developed for all concerned areas.

Decentralization in planning and management with involvement of the concerned communities will need to be promoted together with sound practices for cost recovery and good management by irrigation agencies. Agricultural productivity per unit of water will have to be progressively increased in order to be able to compete with other higher value uses of water.

The important role of women of the farming communities in the developing countries will have to be properly recognized and special programs for enhancing their skills in land and water management and for participation in the operation of the irrigation and drainage systems will have to be pursued.

Increases in the effective irrigation area will have to be achieved through timely rehabilitation and modernization of the irrigation and drainage systems, reclamation of waterlogged or salinised irrigated lands and by opening of new lands to irrigation and drainage services through low cost techniques. Simultaneously increased attention will also be necessary for the management of the upstream water sheds.

Plans for integrated development and management of surface and ground water resources will have to be implemented through basin wide institutions for securing proper consensus on allocation of water and for ensuring adequate share for meeting the requirements of irrigated agriculture.

Access of the poor farmers to productive resources like water will have to be improved through equity in distribution of water for alleviating rural poverty and for preserving the natural resource base.

Towards these goals ICID will develop its activities and promote throughout the world formulation of sound policies in the larger macroeconomic and sociological context.

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ICID-CEC PENANG STATEMENT

The 7th ICID International Drainage Workshop, organised by the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID), and the Commonwealth Water Forum, convened by the Commonwealth Engineering Council (CEC) were held in Penang, Malaysia, November 17-21, 1997. The theme of the ICID Drainage Workshop was : Drainage for the 21st Century, and the theme of the Commonwealth Water Forum was : Sustainable Water Resources Management into the 21 Century - Policy and Technological Innovations. There were 254 delegates from 41 countries representing all the continents of the world. The participants noted that with the emergence of the World Water Council and Global Water Partnership on the world stage, more effective arrangements for collaborative work towards comprehensive and integrated development of water resources will be progressively available in the near future.

ICID in close cooperation with the other international professional associations such as the International Water Resources Association (IWRA), the International Water Supply Association (IWSA) and the International Association of Water Quality (IAWQ) has also initiated efforts for promoting water conservation programmes worldwide. It is imperative that water is put to use in a sustainable manner in all parts of the world through appropriate social, environmental and economic arrangements along with regulatory regimes and international cooperative mechanisms.

Worldwide agriculture accounts for 65% of all water obtained for human activity. The bulk of the increase of food production for the growing population will have to come from increasing productivity of the irrigated areas and from irrigation expansion in new areas. To achieve this successfully, under increasing competition for water, a multidisciplinary-multisectoral approach to the management of the world's water resources will have to be adopted.

Supplyside manipulations alone will not provide the desired results. Demand management measures will have to be put in place through new policy interventions, consumer education, waste minimisation and re-examination of lifestyles and food consumption patters. Available resources will also have to be protected and preserved by adopting clean technologies, pollution control, and by using buffers such as wetlands, as natural filters.

Sound drainage practices can achieve substantial increase in land productivity, ensure bio-diversity protection and provide for a proper quality of drained water flowing to the downstream system. As irrigated and rain-fed agricultural production is intensified, drainage will become critical for sustainability of the system. Provision of extensive drainage infrastructure, surface as well as sub-surface, in conformity with the local requirements along with its effective operation and maintenance through participation of the beneficiaries, will be the key to success in sustainable agricultural production. The likely effects of climate change will have also to be kept in view. Global attention will have to be focused on these requirements.

For this purpose, watertable management, controlled drainage, flood mitigation, reuse of drainage and wastewater will have to be given closer attention. Comprehensive management plans must be developed for different areas on a scientific basis and backed by adequate legal provisions. The International Programme for Technology Research in Irrigation and Drainage (IPTRID) will have to work with other organisations to evolve innovative solutions for problem areas. Capacity building measures including development of expertise for handling the complex soil-water-plant relation and drainage extension services to farmers are urgently required. Extensive networks for continuous monitoring of the ground watertable and the soil environment near plant root zones will have to be instituted early. Towards these objectives, necessary institutional reforms must be undertaken.

ICID and CEC will collaborate to undertake future international activities towards the fulfillment of these goals. In this regard, they appeal to all governments, international agencies, financing institutions, private sector organisations and NGOs to work together for sustainable management of global water resources, especially for meeting future food requirements through sound drainage arrangements, incorporated as al integral part of sustainable management of land and water.

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BALI DECLARATION

At the end of the 10th Afro-Asian Regional Conference and IEC, a statement known as "Bali Declaration" was issued which appealed all African and Asian countries to take pro-active steps to ensure sustainable water and land development. Following is the text of the Bali Declaration:

"Since the mid-eighties global food production is declining at about one percent per year. This decline is mostly taking place in the developing and some of the developed countries of Asia and Africa. The changing economic conditions in these countries bring with it changes in land use and tenure. Annually more fertile agriculture land is lost to more lucrative industrial and urban development, while less fertile lands, and highlands and forests are brought under agricultural use. The gap in income between urban/industrial and agricultural/rural occupation is steadily increasing. This is inevitably creating greater gaps between the two sectors and makes farming no longer a desired occupation. In addition, the low level of education of farmers hinders their capability to adapt. The net result is a gradual reduction in the level of food production and lower food security.

Meanwhile the demographic conditions show a rapidly increasing population in Asia and Africa. Increase of food production and agricultural base incomes, as well as the eradication of food insecurity are intricately linked with sustainable and productive use of water and land resources. The largest contributor to food production is irrigated agriculture for which fresh water is the single most important factor. Yet all indicators point to the critical condition of global fresh water in the coming 21st century. The increasing scarcity and declining quality of fresh water is cause for serious concern.

A more integrated and multipurpose approach for land and water development and management is required which will also enhance water saving measures. Reuse of agricultural drainage and unconventional poor quality water can be used in water shortage areas. In the introduction and application of technology, priority should be given to appropriate technology, taking into consideration financial feasibility and social acceptability. It may also be noted that for better and efficient use of resources, a shift of paradigm in water and land resources development is required from government oriented decision making process and activities to a more user-based system. The empowerment of water user organizations and their participation in the planning and management aspects of water and land resources development is essential for putting in place an effective management system that will ensure performance.

Since the irrigation sector is the largest user of water, it is necessary to optimize water use and promote conservation, and improve irrigation efficiencies. Such optimization however requires modern and viable management operation systems for planning, water distribution, operation and maintenance including engineering, agronomic, social, economic and financial aspects. Their adoption can be a substantial step forward in raising productivity and water use efficiency. Socio-economic development and environmental conservation are also closely linked. The green economics is based on the concept of internalized environmental cost in setting the prices.

It is agreed that community and public at large have an important role to play in the water and land resources development and management. It is now particularly recognized that women have a strategic role to play in water management and conservation. Enhancing participation of the stakeholder is essential for sustainable development of land and water resources. There is a need to enhance the role of the economically empowered Water Users' organizations with particular attention to small-scale economic enterprises and gender equity issues. In the light of this Management transfer of irrigation schemes, the empowerment of community organization and enhancing of women participation are a prerequisite for sustained development and management of land and water resources.

The Afro-Asian Conference held in Bali from 20th-22nd July 1998 urges that ICID strives towards the fulfillment of the above mentioned objectives and hereby appeals to all governments of the Asian and African nations to take pro-active steps to ensure sustainable water and land development. Such affirmative action would enable the region to enter the new millennium with added assurance of food security and enhanced prospects of poverty alleviation."

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GRANADA ICID DECLARATION
September 1999

Fifty years, although a long time in the life of a person, is short in the development of a drainage basin. Nonetheless, 50 years is an appropriate time for the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID) to take stock of its achievements and make an effort to address its weaknesses. In these 50 years ICID has increased its membership from 11 to 69 countries. The first Congress was attended by less than 100 delegates and this grand Congress in Granada in excess of 700 delegates. ICID started by publishing a periodic bulletin and now publishes a full fledged peer reviewed quarterly scientific journal, a web site and other means of disseminating information. ICID has progressed from not being recognized by other organizations to one whose counsel is sought by world leaders.

ICID encourages all stakeholders to irrigate and drain arable lands to their optimum efficiency, maximize food production and assure that water not used is recycled to the extent that is reasonably possible. Basin wide the use of water will be optimized, where applicable shared among states and regions and pollution will be controlled to an acceptable level.

ICID supports food security and proposes methods to conserve water by increasing the productivity per unit of water used, by reducing non beneficial uses, by relocating uses from low to high value crops, by tapping uncommitted outflows from systems, and by seeking new sources essential to meet additional demands.

Rehabilitation and modernization of systems will have to be brought about by encouraging the formation of water users organizations, by effective participation of users in the initial assessment of needs and by evaluating alternatives. ICID concludes that rehabilitation and modernization must result in additional benefits to farmers and be financially viable in that operation and maintenance costs should be at an acceptable level.

Irrigation, drainage and flood control of agricultural lands are no longer options. They are necessary for feeding billions of people, for providing employment for rural poor and for protecting the environment. With respect to this, ICID stresses that dams have played and will continue to play an important role in the development of water resources, especially in developing countries. A balance needs to be found between the requirements based on the needs of society, acceptable side effects and a sustainable environment.

The strategy for the future must be to optimize the use of water and mitigate its harmful effects. The International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage resolves to continue its commitment to serve the world in determining methods of managing water for the production of food and fiber.


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NEW DELHI DECLARATION
January - February 2000

The 8th ICID International Drainage Workshop with the theme “Role of Drainage and Challenges in 21st Century” organised by the Indian National Committee on Irrigation & Drainage (INCID) attended by 260 delegates from 15 Countries and 12 International agencies was held from January 31st to February 4th, 2000. After considerable discussion, the workshop approves the following declaration :

The state of drainage development in many countries is far below the basic needs. In the last century, drainage was often considered as an adjunct to irrigation and was not considered as a discipline in its own right.

For increasing the agricultural productivity required by the growing population and sustainability, provision of adequate drainage is important. Sound drainage practices can achieve substantial increase in productivity and minimise the losses through waterlogging and salinity. An estimated 1/3rd of the irrigated land in the arid and semi arid zones faces salinisation hazards. Drainage, apart from improving food production, can also help progressively, as rural development proceeds in making agriculture more diversified and competitive, promoting rural well being, improving public health etc.

There are considerable differences in drainage problems and needs in different climatological regions. These differences should be taken into account in all drainage planning. The currently used classification should, however, be further defined and mapped. Reliable global information data on the drainage needs of rainfed land and on the waterlogging and salinization of irrigated land do not exist. Status and the collection and compilation of more precise upto-date dis-aggregated and meaningful statistics is a priority area for the early part of the new millenium. The development of drainage should more and more be seen within the context of broader integrated water and environmental management strategies at the catchment level.

The relationships between drainage and flood management need to be further clarified. Flood seems to occur in almost all regions, although nature and scales may differ considerably. Flood management is obviously a pre-condition for effective drainage, but improved drainage can also be part of a flood management strategy. While floods generated outside the agricultural drainage area are generally outside the domain of drainage, floods and inundation caused by local rainfall within such a catchment/area are generally within the drainage domain and should be addressed as such.

Under increasing competition for water from other uses like industrial and domestic water supply it may become necessary for reuse and recycling of drainage waters. Development of an integrated on-farm drainage management (IFDM) system, based on the principle that drainage water and salt are natural resources rather than toxic waste may hold the key for recycling. For removal of drainage water and for maintaining the ground water levels, the concept of “Bio-Drainage”, an environmentally friendly measure could hold promising possibilities. Further research is needed on some aspects of Bio-Drainage such as the salt balance. Due attention needs to be given to the downstream impacts of drainage interventions, including the pollution of drainage by agro-chemicals, or domestic and industrial waste. Disposal of low quality drainage waters in an environmentally sustainable way, requires continued attention and an integrated management approach.

The stake-holders participation in the planning, implementation and management of drainage systems is necessary. Integration of participatory irrigation and drainage management is highly desirable. Awareness programmes among the farmers in regard to the biological, physical and chemical indicators as preventive measures of waterlogging and secondary salinisation need to be encouraged. Farming communities and especially the women need to have enhanced skills in land and water management. Service oriented management, which provides a contract service agreement between stakeholders is especially to provide an effective accountability framework participation of end-users in the management of drainage systems. Financial sustainability of the operation and maintenance of drainage is important, but institutional models in this regard are not available. Guidelines for “ Participating Drainage Management” may be prepared.

Apart from basic research, focused research for problem solving is necessary. Drainage implementation projects need to reserve some money for research including action research, development and training activities. The tools of modelling and simulation need to be used in a large way. These tools would also assist in formulating well designed data collection programmes.

To tackle the drainage problems of Asian regions, promotion of close cooperation between the various existing Drainage Research Institutes dealing with drainage in the arid and semi-arid zones by way of exchange of information and technical programmes for collaboration through the IPTRID network need to be encouraged. For this purpose, it is recommended that these institutions be given International mandate extend their networking and R&D activities. For humid tropical zones, the cooperation as initiated by ICID and IPTRID needs to be further developed.

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TOKYO CONCLUSION OF THE WORKSHOP ICID 2000

Toward Sustainable Development in paddy Agriculture

July 2000

In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID), the Japanese National Committee of ICID organized a workshop in Tokyo from 24-28 July 2000. The workshop entitled as "The Asian Regional Workshop on Sustainable Development of Irrigation and Drainage for Rice Paddy Fields" was designed to support the activities of the Asian Regional Workshop Group of ICID as well as to enhance mutual understanding and cooperation among Asian countries. Delegates from countries in the monsoon region of Asia and rice producing countries as well as international organizations participated in the workshop and addressed their views and experiences in association with the said subject.

Most Asian countries which are located in the monsoon region attributed their economic development basically to paddy agriculture in the past. There is a common understanding that innovative technology in irrigation and drainage played a substantial role to the development and to the social and economic stability of the monsoon region of Asia, as well.

The continuing increase in the population and the growth of economy in the monsoon region of Asia, which inevitably affects the future demand for food, will call for more attention to the efficient development and management of land and water resources. Paddy agriculture, which is generally viewed as highly productive in terms of land and labour as well as an environmental-friendly measure, still needs innovative technologies and practices in order to achieve sustainable development. It is a shared recognition that these continuing efforts and achievements in the monsoon region of Asia will contribute, to a considerable extent, to the development of world agriculture.

Regarding the technological and socio-economic aspects of paddy agriculture, the Tokyo Workshop ICID 2000 has summarized the following prospects and issues to be challenged in close cooperation among countries concerned in the region :

  1. Paddy agriculture in the monsoon region of Asia has multi-functions, such as, reliable food supply to meet ever-increasing demand, economic development, land and environment conservation, and the vitalization of rural community. These multi-functions of paddy agriculture will continue to be effective for the sustainable development of agriculture and rural areas.

  2. Irrigation and drainage technologies play a key role in achieving sustainable development of paddy agriculture. The national commitment to the continuing research and development of these technologies needs to be increased to be extent possible.

  3. Rural area is endowed with a double-functional space for the activities of people' one is for production of food and the other for livelihood of the people. It will be necessary to take comprehensive measures to promote agriculture and to vitalize the rural area simultaneously, which has to take into consideration integrated land and water resources management, the improvement of the community environment, regional/basin planning approach, and institutional renovation as well as the construction of infrastructure for production. In this respect, it will be vital to build-up a network for international cooperation aimed at human resources development and technology transfer.

  4. It is recommended that countries in the monsoon region of Asia tackle proactively with the following issues :
    1. To continue the efforts of construction and modernization of irrigation and drainage facilities together with the establishment of water management institutions for the efficient use and control of water resources.

    2. To empower farmers to actively participate in forming farmer's associations for effective and integrated land and water resources management, as well as to recognize the important roles of women, and strengthen their capacity.

    3. To put more attention to the other salient functions of paddy agriculture and to strengthen these functions in practice, such as, preventing floods and soil erosion, securing water resources, improvement water quality, maintaining bio-diversity and empowering rural communities, and

    4. To establish a network of information and technology of agriculture and rural development on the basis of efficient irrigation and drainage management and to strengthen international linkages of farmers, engineers, researchers, academicians and government officials concerned.

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Spanish version of Cape Town Declaration

CAPE TOWN DECLARATION
October 2000


In all developing countries of the world, population growth puts pressure on available water resources and increases the demand for food. Technological and managerial improvements have led to higher food production and increases in the real per capita gross domestic product (GDP), a proxy for real income per head of the population. Over the last 50 years the GDP per capita has more than tripled for Asia, more than doubled for Latin America, but only increased by 55% for Africa. Furthermore, HIV Aids and tropical diseases like malaria will have a significant impact on Africa's GDP. It is estimated that by the end of the next decade GDP per capita will be approximately 5% less than in each country than it would have been without Aids.

Management of irrigation schemes is a complex task and the necessary managerial skills are often lacking, particularly in modern, often high technology, systems. This calls for increased professionalism in irrigation management through specialised service providers, using more sophisticated tools. The opportunity to provide this level of support for irrigation system management is often limited in practice, especially where irrigation is part of a development initiative.

Thus, planners and designers must understand users' needs clearly before they can offer appropriate technologies and designs for people to choose between. A user-orientated approach is recommended with the added provision that particular attention is paid to understanding and addressing the decision making priorities of stakeholder groups such as poor people, women and men. Improved access to irrigation, appropriate technologies for individual and collective operation and pro-poor institutional arrangements are recommended. Micro-irrigation is particularly suited to provide opportunities for irrigation for small scale enterprises and female-headed farming households.

The 51st IEC Meeting held in Cape Town, together with the Micro 2000 Congress and associated workshops concluded the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of the ICID, by addressing burning issues relevant to irrigated agriculture on the African continent. Sensitive to the dynamics of food security, poverty alleviation and dwindling water resources, the ICID submits the following as recommendations for consideration and implementation.

1. APPROPRIATENESS OF MICRO-IRRIGATION FOR POOR WOMEN AND MEN INVOLVED IN FARMING

  • Micro-irrigation systems have great potential to create significant opportunities for smallholder agriculture, including farm operations managed by women.
  • Farmers and technical people must work together to analyse gender impacts and poverty reduction, ensure gender visibility and appropriate policies, technical development and research agendas and to disseminate lessons learned.
  • Appropriate and innovative use of micro and other irrigation, both inside and outside irrigation schemes should maximise poor women and men's access to land and water.
  • Micro-irrigation techniques and management may need to be adapted to specific needs of women and men.
  • Participatory involvement in design and management and in developing simple management procedures is needed to capture the benefits of water-saving strategies and technologies.
  • Men and women farmers should be involved in decision-making at all levels from field to river basin on technology choice and water management in proportions that reflects the gender balance among users.

2. APPROPRIATENESS OF MICRO-IRRIGATION TO SMALL FARMER DEVELOPMENT AND POVERTY ALLEVIATION

Micro-irrigation can play a significant role in poverty alleviation among smallholder farmers in rural areas. It can contribute to increased crop yields of high-value crops such as vegetables and fruit, especially under conditions of water scarcity. Proper business management, including attention to crop choice, market outlets and access to credit is also needed to reap the benefits of improved product quality and higher yields.

3. APPLICABILITY OF MICRO-IRRIGATION TO COMPREHENSIVE PLANS TO REHABILITATE IRRIGATION SCHEMES

Micro-irrigation is one of numerous tools for rehabilitating irrigation projects. Whereas micro-irrigation is an application technology, softer techniques such as irrigation scheduling provide additional opportunity for significant and positive change.

The water economy feature of micro irrigation ensures it has an important role in water use efficiency and high production. Upgrading and modernising systems through attention to adequate storage and delivery facilities is required to assure a reliable water supply at the right time and amount.

4. TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT OF MICRO-IRRIGATION FOR SMALL FARMER DEVELOPMENT

Micro-irrigation has developed to the point where it is now available for developing agriculture. Further innovation and improvements should be undertaken by researchers, developmental institutions and the private sector. The aim should be to further reduce cost, to make technology ergonomically sound and acceptable to a wide range of users and to reduce and simplify managerial requirements. The availability and accessibility of support services will be one of the key success factors.

The relatively low cost per user has made micro-sprays and bucket-drip systems the delivery system of choice in an appreciable number of poverty-relief initiatives. Where systems were distributed free of charge, results have been mixed and generally negative.

5. EDUCATION AND TRAINING NEEDS

Education of potential users and advisors of the benefits of micro-irrigation is necessary to initiate a change process.

Small holder micro-irrigation development should always involve technical, business and management training for women and men farmers.

The training should be broadly based to include the operational, managerial agronomic and financial aspects, which can be accrued from a change to micro-irrigation. The training should utilise appropriate learning technology at the various levels of operation, from illiterate farmer to training of trainers at higher educational levels.

6. APPROPRIATENESS OF MICRO-IRRIGATION TO IMPROVE FOOD SECURITY WITH RELATIVELY SCARCE WATER RESOURCES

Micro-irrigation is an important tool in the drive towards food security. Its future impact on agricultural production, particularly of bio-income nature, will be determined by low-cost, appropriately designed systems and adequate training on the use of the system. Micro-irrigation has proved in many cases to be more cost effective than traditional surface irrigation systems with lined canals.

Scarce capital resources will be a constraint to investments in micro-irrigation. Promotion through private development and service providers will provide a foretaste of potential contributions and opportunity for development of low cost alternatives.

7. CONCLUSION

The Congress concluded that in view of the potential advantages of micro-irrigation, and in spite of the constraints it may have in a developing agriculture situation, currently available simplified versions of the technology can provide a stimulus to irrigated agriculture where food security is threatened and water the limiting resource.

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SEOUL DECLARATION
September 2001


The 52nd International Executive Council (IEC) Meeting and the 1st Asian Regional Conference of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID) on the theme of "Agriculture, Water and Environment" was held in Seoul, the Republic of Korea, from 16-21, from 16-21 September 2001. The issues of irrigation and drainage, irrigation system automation, water quality and water policy, environment, flood control, wastewater reuse and development of tidal swamps, particularly in the Asian region were discussed by some 600 participants from 45 countries and 12 international agencies. A total of 152 papers were presented of which about one third touched on rice irrigation reflecting the importance of rice cultivation in the monsoon Asia.

The 1st Asian Regional Conference, ICID 2001 Seoul envisages a vision of sustainable agriculture and water development in harmony with the environment for Asia and the world. This is necessary to meet the needs of global and national food security whilst increasing farm incomes, improving rural amenities and revitalizing local communities and cultures with minimal adverse impacts on nature and the environment.

The major conclusions by the participants of the Conference are the followings :

  1. Efforts for Improving water management, modernizing irrigation facilities, developing and applying new water saving irrigation techniques and reusing irrigation water will have to be initiated to cope with the likely future food and water shortages and deterioration of rural environment caused by rapid increase in population and economic growth in many developing countries. Efficient water management and comprehensive information systems are needed for the optimum distribution of water between irrigation and other water sectors, and conservation of eco-system and soil environment in the rural area.

  2. Irrigation system automation and real time monitoring can greatly contribute to reductions in water loss, labor cost and environmental impacts on agriculture and the natural environment; thus becoming one of the alternatives to overcome the deficiency of water and labor. Developing countries should be encouraged to expand the use of low cost and cost effective automation systems to meet future challenges.

  3. Increased attention to Irrigation water quality, better management of non-point source pollution and environment-friendly farming with low input of chemical fertilizers and pesticides is desired for keeping sustainable agricultural production, whilst conserving the rural environment.

  4. As water becomes a limiting resource, competitions, among water use sectors and disputes between upstream and downstream users and nations in sharing water have increased. Relevant laws and policies are needed to ensure such sharing which will have to be equitable and efficient.

  5. The rice culture in the monsoon region, particularly in Asia, has not only contributed greatly to providing a stable food supply for billions of people, but it has also contributed to economic growth, conservation of rural environment and various traditional cultures, and revitalization of rural communities. Therefore, improvement of irrigation and drainage practices, operation, maintenance and water management technologies in rice farming will have to be further intensified to ensure sustainability of agriculture and rural communities.

  6. Integrated flood control measures through improved land and water management and drainage systems, provisions of forecast and alert systems, and increasing surface water storage and ground water recharge will have to be promoted to reduce flood damages.

In order to achieve the vision of the 52nd IEC Meeting and the 1st Asian Regional Conference, the following recommendations are made.

  1. The provision of new low-cost high-efficiency irrigation and drainage systems with low impacts to the natural environment will ensure sustainable agriculture and water development as well as conservation of the environment.

  2. Competition in water use and deterioration of water quality have resulted in less water being made available for agriculture. Water saving irrigation techniques and water quality management measures will have to be promoted in order to cope with the decreasing water availability and the pollution of water.

  3. Increases in input and support from both the public and the private sectors for the development of future oriented, cost effective and environment-friendly irrigation and drainage systems, the rehabilitation of old irrigation and drainage facilities, and the automation of water management will ensure food production.

  4. Close cooperation among the Asian countries for promotion of rice culture, increase in irrigation efficiency, improvement of water quality and rural environment, revitalization of rural communities and better management of floods in the region will have to be ensured.

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ICID YALTA DECLARATION
May 2002


Preamble

The 1st International Workshop on Irrigation Management Transfer in Countries with a Transition Economy was held from 18-22 May, 2002 in Yalta, Crimea, Ukraine. The workshop was organized by the European Regional Working Group (ERWG) of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID) and its European Work Team on Sustainable Irrigation Management (EWTSIM) and by the Republic Committee for Water Management of Crimea, with support of :

The World Bank; Ministry of Agrarian Policy of Ukraine; State Committee for Water Management of Ukraine; German Agency for Technical Co-operation (GTZ); Ukrainian Academy of Agrarian Science (UAAS); Institute for Hydraulic Engineering and Land Reclamation, Kiev, Ukraine; and Alterra Green World Research Institute, Wageningen, The Netherlands

Irrigation management transfer is the process to delegate the management responsibility and authority for irrigation systems, previously held by governmental institutions, to farmers or organizations of water users. It may also include the transfer of ownership of parts of the systems. Such transfers are in particular taking place in countries with transition economies and are in line with the significant changes from their tradition of centralized planning and production systems into a market economy.
Professionals from the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Macedonia, Moldova, The Netherlands, Spain, Russia, Ukraine, the World Bank and ICID contributed to the workshop with keynotes and country reports, discussed the relevant issues and agreed on the underneath recommendations and actions.

Conclusions and recommendations

  1. The primary objective of irrigation is to support sustainable agricultural production. In the countries with transition economies the future of the agricultural sector and rural development is still to a large extent uncertain. A number of the countries are in the process of accession to the European Union, which to a certain extent may even increase the uncertainty. This uncertainty has its repercussions for decisions on the extent of and modes for sustainable irrigation development and management.
  2. In all the countries the major part of the existing irrigation systems is in a bad state, or even abandoned. Socio-economic and legal aspects of this economic transition are linked to this critical situation. Specific problems concern: the layout of the systems, which is mostly based on the former large-scale kolchoz and sovchoz type of agricultural production, the transfer of irrigation system management from the traditional government agencies towards water management agencies and water users associations, the funding of modernization and resulting operation and maintenance, lack of good governance, unaffordable pumping systems and environmental degradation.
  3. In most of the countries there is a significant potential of unexploited agricultural production capacity. Opening up of this capacity will reduce, or prevent the requirement of food imports, create the potential for export of agricultural products. It will also significantly contribute to sustainable rural development. If developed on a sustainable basis, irrigation can play a significant role in such a process.
  4. There is an urgent and clearly identified need for institutional reform in irrigation as a precondition for the modernization of the existing irrigation systems. In order to enable the formulation and implementation of sustainable solutions experience with various potential modes of irrigation development and management will have to be obtained. The participants of the workshop recommend their national governments and the international (donor) organizations to support the implementation of the irrigation reform process.
  5. During the workshop several basic requirements in the legal, economical and organizational structures were identified and recommendations concerning these aspects were formulated :
  • legislation and regulation : it is highly recommended that when developing national water legislation for the countries with transition economies to a maximum use will be made of the statements of the EU Water Framework Directive, which takes into consideration environmental economic and social conditions of the country as well as technological features of irrigation and drainage systems;
  • institutions and organisation: after institutional reforms:
    Clarity must exist regarding responsibilities and accountabilities;
    Water users should participate in water management decisions at all levels;
  • financing and economy: there is a need for a transformation towards a viable financial basis for irrigation (substantial government funding and incentives for modernization and declining support for operation and maintenance, and an increasing farmers share for operation and maintenance up to the level of full cost recovery within a timeframe of five years).

Agreed actions

  1. The proceedings of this first workshop will be published in English at short notice. A summarized translation in Russian will be prepared;
  2. The European Regional Working Group (ERWG) will disseminate the results of the Yalta Workshop;
  3. In each country a comprehensive analysis on the present situation of irrigation management, the problems, as well as the development and management options for sustainable irrigation in future will be made as agreed. This activity will generally require financial support and special assistance of the concerned national authorities.
  4. The 2nd International Workshop will be organized in Macedonia in spring 2003. The objectives of this workshop will be :
    •   To study and compare the problems in irrigation management that the participatory countries are facing;
    •   To formulate sustainable solutions for irrigation development and management, taking into account the special     circumstances of the countries in transition;
    •   To prepare a comprehensive publication on the subject.
  5. The European Work Team on Sustainable Irrigation Management (EWTSIM) will promote interchange of information between the activities mentioned here and the following programs and projects :
  • Pilot projects and activities on Irrigation Management Transfer in the concerned countries;
  • Global Dialogue on Water, Food and Environment, with the special objective to support the sustainable implementation of land reform and irrigation management transfer processes in the Ukraine;
  • Dutch-Ukrainian Project towards improved Water management in Ukraine (WATERMUK).

 

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THE MONTREAL ICID DECLARATION
July 2002


The International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage considered Food Production Under Conditions of Water Scarcity as the main theme at its 18th Congress in Montreal, Canada. Thus food production under limited water and the integration of irrigation, drainage and flood control were of primary concern to over 800 delegates.

Life cannot exist without water. ICID recognizes the importance of this vital and scarce resource in producing the food required to meet the needs of an ever-increasing world population. Since agriculture in developing countries consumes about 85% of its water to meet their needs, this Congress declares that new management tools are needed to increase food production.

This Congress also declares that national and regional policies need developing. These include the inter-basin transfer of water, protecting coastal lands from the intrusion of saline water, various water saving techniques with special reference to arid and semi-arid tropical areas and the inclusion of all stakeholders in making decisions regarding water management.

We declare that alleviating poverty while ensuring the sustainability of the environment under conditions of limited water resources and continuing growth of the population is of vital concern. We recognize that food production in the past was primarily linked to the world's land resources. Today, however, water is the main limiting factor for agriculture and food production. Thus the supply, quality and efficient use of water will dominate agricultural production.

Since the poor are often the hardest hit by water-related problems, water security should be part of any poverty alleviation program. Also the increase in the world's population places great demands upon the agricultural sector. These demands can only be resolved through the efficient use of irrigation and drainage. They are the cornerstones of world food security. To meet them we must improve irrigation efficiency on existing lands and encourage participatory management in all systems.

ICID recognizes the importance of integrating the management of irrigation, drainage and flood control. It emphasizes the need to design adequate drainage systems concurrently with the design of each irrigation system. This will minimize salinization and water logging thus optimizing the efficacy of each irrigation system.

We declare that private sector participation is a necessary and desirable mechanism to augment investment in upgrading the performance of irrigation systems. To achieve success with such participation, careful consideration of the legal, economic and resource management mechanisms are needed.

The fact that irrigation plays a critical role in producing the world's food supplies is not well appreciated by most people, ICID will develop an education program that provides the necessary information to help people understand the importance of irrigation in their lives.

Women and young professionals are playing an ever-increasing role in the design and management of irrigation and drainage systems. Thus we declare that their active participation in the affairs of our Commission be encouraged.

Finally, as research scientists, engineers and practitioners in irrigation, drainage and flood control we declare that we will use all available relative knowledge in the execution of our duties.

 

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UTRECHT DECLARATION
September 2003


“Drainage is an integral part of integrated water resources management. The role of drainage has to be communicated better in this broader perspective, both within and outside the drainage community. The drainage community has to stick out its neck to make the “invisible” visible. As a first step, 15 action plans have been formulated and the participants have committed themselves to these plans. “Drainage ambassadors for IWRM” should be appointed at international and national levels to get the drainage community more involved in the agenda setting of water policies. Long-term partnerships with all stakeholders are effective conduits for joint action to solve critical water management problems.”

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MOSCOW DECLARATION
September 2004


The Moscow Inter-regional Conference was participated by delegates from Egypt, Malaysia, Jordan, Mali, Chad, Indonesia, Albania, Iran, South Africa, Bangladesh, Australia, the Netherlands, Italy, India, Great Britain, Nepal, Slovenia, China, Canada, the USA, Cameroon, Germany, Hungary, Estonia, Poland, Ghana, France, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Switzerland, Pakistan, Japan, Spain, Turkey, Korea, Bulgaria, Thailand, Burkina Faso, Sri-Lanka, Portugal, Palestine, Senegal, Finland, Macedonia, Turkmenistan, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Ukraine, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan.

A tendency of lower and reduced growth in food production globally is seen in the past few years and the ICID Task Force on "Global Food Security" felt that it can adversely impact the Food Security if corrective measures are not taken. Apart from availability, affordability and distribution of food on an equitable basis for poor people in certain parts of the World were questions forming other important aspects affecting food security. While acknowledging the need for an enhanced agricultural production to meet the overall requirements, all such measures which will fairly guarantee environmental sustainability must also be integrated. In many cases, effective measures and enabling provisions and legislations are required. Building up a 'Scientific and technical knowledge base' for the Development and maintenance of agricultural landscapes is a must with an advancement in technology. Socio Economic aspects are important in evolving a Strategy of action to achieve the goals set for Water and Food Security. ICID events planned during IEC Moscow 2004 and the Inter-regional Conference of on Food Production and Water identified a few constituent elements for the Strategic Task as follows :

  • Need for a legislation for realization of projects that comply with the requirements of high technologies of growing of zoned agricultural crops on the basis of adaptive-landscape farming
  • Introduction of a system for integral appraisal of fertility of irrigated and drained lands on the basis of indices of environmental and reclamation condition of these lands and productivity of agricultural lands;
  • Overall introduction of modeling of various water consumption scenarios and assessment of a possibility of irrigation water saving and monitoring of reclaimed lands;
  • Elaboration of systems for training and capacity building of farmers and specialists working on irrigated and drained lands with regard to education in the methods of water management improvement in agriculture and assessment of optimal water resource management to meet the needs of agriculture taking into consideration environmental requirements;
  • Financing of irrigation and drainage works and water management, both from State and private financing agencies.

The Moscow Inter-regional Conference recommends that :

  • There is a need for an analysis of institutional structures on management of sustainable development of irrigation and drainage and highlight specific features, enabling legislations for financial support, taxation, insurance etc in due consideration to available reform systems; requisite documentation for attracting public and private investments indicating principles for credit by International and Intergovernmental organizations are also to be evolved.
  • An analysis of all the past Declarations adopted at ICID congresses, conferences and workshops is made and results brought out in Beijing Congress in September 2005.
  • An Analytical Review of irrigation and drainage status in various countries of the world and role and necessity of irrigation and drainage for food security is prepared and published in 2006.
  • The possibility to create international courses for specialists and scientists from developing countries and countries with transitional economics for study of experiences of advanced countries with highly developed market economy is duly considered.

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THE BEIJING DECLARATION
September 2005

19th ICID Congress, Beijing, China

Delegates of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID) from 56 countries met in Beijing during the 19th ICID Congress to focus on the theme of "Use of Water and Land for Food Security and Environmental Sustainability".

In due consideration to the principles of Sustainable Development and in line with the decisions of the World Summit on Sustainable Development, calling on countries to develop Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) and water efficiency plans by 2005 and to achieve water efficiency for sustainable food security for all people;

Recognizing that the progress achieved in regard to the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) for halving the world poverty and hunger by 2015 has not been satisfactory and the dire need for vigorous action in the coming decades will be urgently required to avert world crisis;

Noting that irrigation in the world today accounts for 70% of all fresh water withdrawals which are used to irrigate 17% of all cropped land yielding 40% of the overall agricultural outputs worldwide;

Considering that ICID has made the commitment to take its message to the World Water Fora;

Therefore, ICID member countries attending the 19th Congress make the following Declaration and Recommendations for the attention of world leaders and decision makers :

  • ICID has formulated its position towards the challenges in four position papers, being: (i) Global Issues Related to Food Production, Security and Trade; (ii) Irrigation and Drainage Services - Some Principles and Issues Towards Sustainability; (iii) Country Policy Support Program (CPSP); and (iv) Promoting Appropriate Decision-Making Procedures for New Dams, particularly for Irrigation, Drainage and Flood Management. Through its workbodies, congresses and conferences, ICID promotes improved water management practices in support of food production, livelihood in rural areas and environmental sustainability. The Commission disseminates its messages through its network: its website www.icid.org, Newsletters and Updates, its Journal Irrigation and Drainage and its Congress and Conference Proceedings.
  • The key to increase future food production lies in expansion of irrigated and drained lands where potential exists; in better water and land management in existing irrigated and drained areas; and in increase in water use efficiency and land productivity.
  • Even while acknowledging the best efforts to achieve a control in the growth trend, the needs of over eight hundred million people by 2025 are still to be met. Despite an apparent sufficiency in the world food production, the inequity and the problem of malnutrition in Least Developed Countries persist and about 20% of the world's poor people still starve or are underfed. The global food production will have to be doubled to achieve satisfactory food security for all.
  • Irrigation will play a greater and dependable role in meeting future food demands than in the past. The goal shall be to achieve 'Grow More Food with Less Drops'. This will be feasible with the advancement in technology, modernization, better management of irrigation and, where applicable, drainage systems. Further efforts to explore ways to produce more food with less water under sustainable conditions would have to continue through Research and Development, Capacity Building and spread of Technology.
  • Fresh water resources are being stretched to their limits in several regions and countries, which calls for an utmost consideration of efficient use so as to safeguard environmental sustainability. IWRM shall be the key in such cases.
  • Given the need of the least developed countries where there is population pressure and an increased food requirement, installation of small-scale, low-cost irrigation and/or drainage systems in cultivated lands without such systems so far will have to be seriously considered. In addition, potential land for cultivation may have to be reclaimed. Increasing the water storage capacity for food production and the investment needs in such cases deserve priority. The resources will be required to be exploited in a sensitive manner with due consideration to environmental sustainability.
  • The dire challenge to professionals working in the field of irrigation, drainage and flood control lies in their ability to design, operate and maintain a new generation of efficient water management systems, while sustaining ecosystems and the environment. Integrated approaches in the sector should bring in not only scientific and technical, but also the socio-economical and environmental aspects.
  • Increasing population has led to the settlement in and cultivation of flood prone areas resulting in increased emphasis on flood management in many regions, particularly South- and East Asia. This region has a population of over 2.9 billion, which is nearly half of that of the world. It is estimated that about 80% of the population will live in flood prone areas by 2050. In addition to heavy rainfall and floods, huge man-induced changes such as uncontrolled land reclamation and inadequate land use planning, may increase the vulnerability of flood prone areas. An integrated flood management approach including structural and non-structural measures based on risk management principles with public participation, is required to mitigate losses due to flood hazards. It is noted that living in harmony with Nature is essential to managing floods.
  • Financial allocation for development or operation and maintenance of existing irrigation and drainage systems has not been adequate for many existing water management systems, bringing such systems in danger of being unable to perform their function. Low water prices and inappropriate management are also causes of low water use efficiency and waterlogging and soil salinity. Institutional reforms in the public sector and emergence of professionally managed community based organisations will enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of water and land rights, appropriate legal and institutional framework and better performance measures and assessments.
  • Inter-sectoral, and in some cases regional competition for water are factors of major concern and have to be resolved by objective studies which can provide useful Country Policy Support indicators. Interdisciplinary efforts to comprehensively address water assessment can help to promote a better trade off in case of conflicts.

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DECLARACIÓN DE PEKÍN
Septiembre de 2005

19th ICID Congress, Beijing, China

Delegados de la Comisión Internacional de Riegos y Drenajes (ICID) de 56 países se reunieron en Pekín durante el 19º Congreso para centrar su atención en el tema "El Uso del Agua y el Territorio para la Seguridad Alimenticia y el Mantenimiento del Medio Ambiente"

Con la debida consideración a los principios del Desarrollo Sostenible y en línea con las decisiones de la Cumbre Mundial sobre Desarrollo Sostenible, que piden a los países la realización de una Gestión Integrada de los Recursos Hídricos (IWRI) y de planes de eficiencia del agua, antes del 2005, para lograr una eficiencia del agua que asegure la alimentación sostenible de todas las personas;

Reconociendo que no ha sido satisfactorio el avance alcanzado, en relación con las Metas de Desarrollo del Milenio (MDG), de reducir a la mitad la pobreza y el hambre, para el 2015, y que, en las próximas décadas, se necesitará adoptar urgentemente una acción enérgica para evitar la crisis mundial;

Destacando que, actualmente, el riego en el mundo consume el 70% de todos los recursos de agua dulce, y que estos se emplean para regar el 17% de las tierras cultivables, con una producción del 40% de todas las cosechas agrícolas del mundo;

Considerando que la ICID ha cumplido con el compromiso de llevar este mensaje a todos los Foros de Agua del Mundo;

Consecuentemente, los países miembros de la ICID que asistieron al 19º Congreso, hacen la Declaración y las Recomendaciones siguientes, a la atención de los dirigentes mundiales y de los responsables de tomas de decisiones :

  • La ICID ha formulado su postura ante los retos que afronta en cuatro documentos de posición, a saber: (i) Aspectos Globales relacionados con la Producción de Alimentos, su Seguridad y Comercio; (ii) Los Servicios de Riego y Drenaje - Algunos Principios y Aspectos Dirigidos a la Durabilidad; (iii) Programa de Apoyo a la Política del País (CPSP); y (iv) El Fomento de Métodos para las Tomas de Decisión, Adecuadas para Nuevas Presas, en especial las de Riego, Drenaje y Gestión de Avenidas. A través de sus órganos de trabajo, congresos y conferencias, la ICID promueve prácticas mejoradas de gestión en apoyo de la producción de alimentos, de los medios de subsistencia en las zonas rurales y del mantenimiento del medio ambiente. La Comisión difunde sus mensajes a través de su red: su página web, http://www.icid.org/, sus Boletines y Noticias de Actualidad, su Journal Irrigation and Drainage y las Actas de sus Congresos y Conferencias.
  • La clave para elevar la producción de alimentos radica en el aumento de los terrenos regados y drenados, en los que existe potencial; en una mejor gestión del agua y el suelo en zonas ya regadas y drenadas; y en la elevación de la eficiencia del uso del agua y de la productividad del campo.
  • Incluso reconociendo los mejores esfuerzos para lograr controlar las tendencias de crecimiento, queda aún bastante para que las necesidades de más de ochocientos millones de personas puedan ser cubiertas, en 2025. A pesar de una aparente suficiencia mundial de producción de alimentos, persiste la injusticia y el problema de desnutrición en los Países Menos Desarrollados y, alrededor del 20 % de los pueblos más pobres del mundo continúa muriéndose de hambre o está subalimentado. Para alcanzar una seguridad alimentaria que sea satisfactoria para todos deberá duplicarse la producción mundial de alimentos.
  • El riego jugará un papel mayor y más fiable que en el pasado para cubrir las futuras demandas de alimentos. El objetivo deberá ser lograr "Producir Mas Alimento con Menos Gotas". Esto será posible con los avances de la tecnología, la modernización, la mejor gestión del riego y, donde sea de aplicación, de los sistemas de drenaje. Deben continuar los esfuerzos para explorar caminos para producir más alimentos con menos agua, en condiciones sostenibles, mediante la Investigación y el Desarrollo, la Capacitación y la difusión de la Tecnología.
  • En muchas regiones y países los recursos de agua dulce están siendo apurados hasta sus límites, lo que reclama la máxima consideración para su utilización eficiente de manera que la durabilidad del medio ambiente quede preservada. En tales casos la clave deberá ser la Gestión Integrada de los Recursos Hídricos (IWRM).
  • Dada la necesidad de los países menos desarrollados, en los que existe una presión demográfica y unos requerimientos crecientes de alimentos, deberá ser considerada seriamente la instalación de pequeños sistemas de riego y/o de drenaje, y de bajo coste, en terrenos cultivados que, hasta ahora, carecen de ellos. Además de esto podrían recuperarse terrenos potencialmente cultivables. En tales casos merecen prioridad el incremento de la capacidad de almacenamiento de agua para la producción de alimentos y las necesidades de inversión. Los recursos tendrán que ser explotados de forma sensata, prestando la debida consideración al mantenimiento duradero del medio ambiente.
  • El mayor reto para los profesionales que trabajan en el campo del riego, el drenaje y el control de inundaciones, reside en su capacidad para proyectar, explotar y mantener una nueva generación de métodos eficientes de gestión del agua, al tiempo que mantienen los ecosistemas y el medio ambiente. Los enfoques integrados en el sector deben ocuparse de aspectos no solo científicos y técnicos, sino también socioeconómicos y medioambientales.
  • El incremento demográfico ha llevado al establecer asentamientos y a cultivar zonas con riesgo de inundación, lo que ha dado mayor énfasis a estos fenómenos en muchas regiones y, en particular en el Sur y el Este de Asia, en donde reside una población que supera los 2900 millones de personas, lo que supone casi la mitad de la población del mundo. Se estima que para el año 2025, el 80 % de la población vivirá en zonas propensas a las inundaciones. Además de las lluvias intensas y de las inundaciones, los grandes cambios inducidos por la actividad humana, como pueden ser la recuperación incontrolada de terrenos y la planificación inadecuada del uso del suelo, pueden aumentar la vulnerabilidad de las zonas susceptibles de inundación. Para reducir las pérdidas por riesgo de inundaciones es preciso un enfoque de gestión integrada de la inundación que incluya medidas estructurales, y no estructurales, basadas en los principios de gestión del riesgo, con participación pública. Se destaca que, para gestionar las inundaciones, es esencial vivir en armonía con la Naturaleza.
  • La asignación financiera para el establecimiento o la explotación y mantenimiento de algunos sistemas existentes de riego y drenaje no ha sido la adecuada en muchos de los sistemas actuales de gestión, lo que ha puesto a tales sistemas en peligro de no ser capaces de cumplir con sus especificaciones. También, los bajos precios del agua y su gestión inadecuada son causa de la baja eficiencia de su uso, de los encharcamientos y de la salinización del suelo. Las reformas institucionales del sector público y el surgimiento de organizaciones basadas en comunidades gestionadas profesionalmente mejorarán la eficiencia y la efectividad de los derechos de agua y del suelo, así como el marco legal e institucional y las medidas y estimaciones del comportamiento de los sistemas.
  • La competencia intersectorial, y en algunos casos regional, por el agua, son factores de mayor preocupación y tienen que ser resueltos mediante estudios objetivos que pueden proporcionar indicadores útiles para el Apoyo de la Política del País. En caso de conflictos los esfuerzos interdisciplinarios para acometer de forma completa la estimación del agua pueden ayudar a alcanzar un mejor equilibrio.

 

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