| ICID STATEMENTS/DECLARATIONS |
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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 :
- ICID will promote
new programs for water savings in agriculture to enable the release
of water for other emerging high priority uses.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Irrigation and
drainage agencies will be encouraged to increase participation of farmer
organizations in the operation, maintenance and management of irrigation
and drainage systems.
- ICID will promote
international cooperation in the management of international river basins.
- ICID will promote
special programs in irrigation, drainage, and water management in Africa
and other water-stressed areas.
- ICID will develop
area-oriented plans for the management of droughts and floods.
- ICID and its national
committees will broaden their memberships and develop young professionals
from whom future leaders will emerge.
- 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 :
- 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.
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.
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.
- It is recommended
that countries in the monsoon region of Asia tackle proactively
with the following issues :
- 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.
- 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.
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
- 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
:
- 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
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.
- 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
- 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. 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.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. 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.
- 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
- The
proceedings of this first workshop will be published in English
at short notice. A summarized translation in Russian will
be prepared; The
European Regional Working Group (ERWG) will disseminate the
results of the Yalta Workshop; 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.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.
- 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
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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
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
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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Spanish
Version
KUALA
LUMPUR STATEMENT
September 2006
The UN's commitment to eradicate 'Poverty and hunger' as reflected in the crucial Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) asks for concerted action in the 9 years now left with to achieve the targets set in to reduce the number of poor and hungry people to half. The Kuala Lumpur conference brought home the fact that modern irrigated agriculture is a proven and effective strategy to address both the issues of poverty and food insecurity.
Modern irrigated agriculture helps enhanced productivity, conservation of resources for optimal uses and helps sustainable environment. It brought home that good returns from private sector involvement are feasible to improve the balance of trade situation of the nations. This has to be coupled with adequate support to downstream agro industries.
ICID is the premier international organisation concerned with managing water for sustainable agriculture and its annual Executive Council meetings, related business meetings of workbodies and workshops confirmed the findings from Asian Regional Conference on 'Transforming Irrigated Agriculture into an Efficient Engine of Growth'.
It comes up with the following 'Kuala Lumpur Statement'.
-
ICID sees in the micro-irrigation technology enormous potential to raise farm incomes while saving water through precise delivery of water and fertilizer to crops. Inexpensive small-scale versions of this technology can be used on the smallest of land holdings, making the benefits available to even the poorest smallholders.
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ICID is concerned with the full spectrum of agricultural water management practices, ranging from rainfed agriculture to full irrigation and taking in water harvesting, field drainage, supplemental irrigation from groundwater, one-time irrigation from spates, and planned deficit irrigation.
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ICID affirms its primary purpose to be managing water for sustainable agriculture, in which agriculture is a part of an eco-system that has a productive role essential to rural livelihoods, and also has cultural and social functions.
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ICID finds that irrigated agriculture is often the main engine of a nation's economic growth, with significant benefits accruing to trade, agro-processing, manufacturing, and job creation in urban centres.
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ICID recognizes the rapidly growing demand for bio-energy and the potential competition among food, fibre, and energy for limited resources of land and water. ICID will work with agriculture-as-a-business as it responds to the changing demands of society, demands which include a growing appreciation of the value of the environment.
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ICID recognizes outstanding contributions to saving water through its WatSave Awards. After ten years of presenting such awards, ICID will expand their scope to honour outstanding contributions to increased water productivity.
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ICID finds that irrigation system modernisation using an integrated and participatory approach can raise agricultural productivity significantly, often without increasing the total use of water, and is addressing that need.
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ICID recognizes the impending impact of Global Climate Change on both irrigated and rainfed agriculture worldwide and is working to help water managers and policy makers anticipate and adapt to these changes.
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ICID recognises that variability in agricultural water supplies, particularly in the wake of changes induced by global warming, is a critical threat to agricultural livelihoods and food security. Storage, both natural and in reservoirs, is a key to reducing unreliability and ICID will work to improve management of stored water to address the challenges at the interface of water, land, livelihoods, and the environment.
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ICID will work with other organisations in the water sector, especially UN-Water and the World Water Council, to help achieve Millennium Development Goals related to water and hunger.
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ICID is a multi-disciplinary professional organisation dependent on the voluntary contribution of its members, especially through its network of national committees. It salutes their achievements.
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DECLARACIÓN
DE KUALA LUMPUR
El compromiso de las Naciones Unidas para erradicar "la Pobreza y el Hambre", tal como se refleja en las cruciales Metas de Desarrollo del Milenio (MDGs), pide una acción concertada para lograr, en los 9 años que aún quedan, los objetivos de reducir a la mitad el número de pobres y de personas hambrientas. La Conferencia de Kuala Lumpur ha hecho comprender que la agricultura de riego moderna es una estrategia comprobada y efectiva para tratar, tanto el tema de la pobreza, como el de la inseguridad de alimentos.
La agricultura de regadío moderna ayuda a elevar la productividad, a economizar los recursos para optimizar su uso y a sostener el medio ambiente. Ha hecho que se entienda que los buenos rendimientos de la participación del sector privado son viables para mejorar la balanza comercial de las naciones. Esto debe ir acompañado del adecuado apoyo a las agroindustrias de aguas abajo.
La Comisión Internacional de Riegos y Drenajes (ICID) es la primera organización internacional competente en la gestión del agua para una agricultura sostenible y las reuniones anuales de su Consejo Ejecutivo, así como las respectivas reuniones de sus órganos de trabajo y talleres, han confirmado los resultados de la Conferencia Regional Asiática sobre el tema "Transformar la Agricultura de Regadío en una Máquina Eficiente de Crecimiento"
De ello surge la siguiente "Declaración de Kuala Lumpur":
- La ICID ve en la tecnología del microrriego un enorme potencial para elevar los ingresos de la explotación agrícola, al tiempo que ahorra agua mediante la precisa aplicación de agua y fertilizantes a los cultivos. En las parcelas y propiedades de menor tamaño pueden utilizarse pequeños equipos de microrriego y así lograr que sus beneficios alcancen incluso a los agricultores más pobres.
- A la ICID le compete todo tipo de prácticas de gestión del agua en la agricultura, desde la agricultura de secano (solo con lluvias) a la enteramente regada y la recogida de lluvias, el drenaje agrícola, el riego suplementario con aguas subterráneas, el riego único por crecidas y el riego deficitario planificado.
- La ICID afirma que su principal fin es la gestión del agua para una agricultura sostenible, en la que la agricultura es parte de un ecosistema que desempeña un papel productivo esencial para la supervivencia rural y que también tiene funciones culturales y sociales.
- La ICID considera que la agricultura de regadío es, a menudo, la principal máquina de crecimiento económico de la nación, con beneficios significativos para el comercio, los procesos agrícolas, la industria y la creación de empleo en los centros urbanos.
- La ICID es consciente del rápido incremento de la demanda de bioenergía y de la potencial competencia entre los alimentos, la fibra y la energía por unos recursos limitados de territorio y de agua. La ICID trabajará con la agricultura-como-negocio, pues esto responde a los cambios de demandas de la sociedad, que cada vez aprecia más el valor del medio ambiente.
- La ICID reconoce notables contribuciones al ahorro de agua a través de sus Premios WatSave. Tras diez años de concesión de tales premios la ICID va a ampliar su ámbito para galardonar las contribuciones orientadas a incrementar la productividad del agua.
- La ICID considera que la modernización de los sistemas de riego, empleando un enfoque integrado y participativo, puede elevar significativamente la productividad agrícola, a menudo sin incrementar el uso total del agua, y se está ocupando de esta necesidad.
- La ICID reconoce el inminente impacto del Cambio Climático Global, tanto sobre la agricultura de secano como la de regadío en todo el mundo y está trabajando para ayudar a los gestores del agua y creadores de políticas a que se anticipen y adapten a estos cambios.
- La ICID reconoce que la variabilidad de los suministros de agua a la agricultura, especialmente después de los cambios inducidos por el calentamiento global, es una amenaza crítica para los medios de subsistencia agrícolas y para la seguridad alimentaria. El almacenamiento, tanto natural como mediante embalses, es la clave para reducir la falta de garantía y la ICID trabajará para mejorar la gestión del agua almacenada con el fin de responder a los retos de la relación agua-territorio-medios de subsistencia-medio ambiente.
- La ICID trabajará con otras organizaciones del sector del agua, especialmente con la de UN-Water y el Consejo Mundial del Agua (WWC), para ayudar a lograr las Metas de Desarrollo del Milenio relacionadas con el agua y el hambre.
- La ICID es una organización profesional multidisciplinar, que depende de la contribución voluntaria de sus miembros, especialmente a través de su red de Comités Nacionales, a los que felicita por sus logros.
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Declaration
of Tehran on
Participatory Irrigation Management
2-5 May, Tehran, Iran
The International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID), and the International Network on Participatory Irrigation Management (INPIM), under their mandates to hold Regional Conferences and the International Seminars, respectively, jointly held the 4th Asian Regional Conference and the 10th International Seminar on "Participatory Irrigation Management (PIM)" during May 2-5, 2007 in Tehran, Iran. This joint international event was organized and hosted by the Iranian National Committee on Irrigation and Drainage (IRNCID) - one of the active ICID's National Chapters, and the INPIM. Over 900 experts, professionals, policy makers, planners, researchers, managers, donors, development partners and representatives from national, regional and international organizations from 40 countries participated in the event.
This global event provided an important forum to stakeholders for reporting and discussing issues, challenges and options for agricultural water management, specifically focusing on participatory approaches to irrigation management, sharing knowledge, experiences, lessons and promoting best practices and innovative ideas on PIM. The forum presented over 110 papers - covering a wide range of PIM aspects from a variety of situations - on the following three sub-themes :
- Review of participatory measures in Irrigation - that focused on success stories and experiences with implemented and proposed PIM frameworks and models,
- Required grounds and facilities for PIM - that discussed organizational reforms, legal frameworks and norms, socio-cultural and political grounds, and
- Support system for PIM sustainability - that critically looked into required policies and strategies, monitoring and evaluation frameworks, and capacity building and training needs.
In the agricultural water sector, the importance of participatory approach to irrigation management is now widely recognized by governments, donors, agencies and other stakeholders. While PIM as a concept and approach has been in vogue for over two decades with varying degrees of successes, the fascinating and challenging debates on emerging PIM issues continue. As irrigation reforms progress, issues continue to emerge, alternative PIM models and frameworks continue to be experimented in diverse local environments, and PIM approaches continue to be evolved and refined. Importantly, as water becomes scarce and faces intense sectoral competition in most settings in the world, there is an increasing need to better use and manage each single drop of water. And the PIM approach to irrigation management assumes greater than ever significance in such settings. In view of this, more than 60 countries have embarked upon PIM reforms aimed at improving irrigation management and making irrigation systems sustainable. These countries represent some 80 percent of global irrigated area.
The Event Declaration
Taking note of discussions, deliberations and recommendations of the stakeholders, the Event :
- Reaffirms the critical importance of irrigation for enhancing productivity, employment, farm incomes and food security - promoting agricultural and economic growth and reducing poverty. It is recognized that the positive impacts of irrigation can be substantially increased through interventions that address issues related to inequities in land and water distribution, water allocation within and across sectors, maintenance and management of irrigation infrastructure, access to improved production technologies and agricultural support measures - with greater emphasis on pro-poor approach to such interventions.
- Recognizes that there are enormous challenges and complex set of issues facing irrigation sector - from basin level to watercourse and field levels - but so are the opportunities. The forum emphasizes the need for reengaging in the sector and calls for increased investments from both public and private sources not only for expanding irrigation, where needed, but also for reforming and modernizing existing irrigation systems - with focus on right kind of investments with sound institutions that deliver larger benefits to the poor.
- Recognizes that PIM is now a widely accepted approach and its implementation is a worldwide phenomenon; there is a general consensus on the need for further promoting, strengthening and expanding PIM reforms in irrigation sector across countries; and in many countries PIM is becoming a central component of irrigation/water policies.
- Highlights that PIM approach delivers a number of positive outcomes and impacts for stakeholders, including the following: (a) empowers farmers, (b) leads to better system maintenance and service, (c) reduces cost of irrigation to the government, (d) improves productivity and profitability of agriculture and water use, and (e) leads to innovations in irrigation management and agriculture in general. However, the magnitude of such outcomes and impacts and the degree of PIM reform success and sustainability have varied across settings and have depended on a number of factors such as clarity and strength of institutional and legal framework, higher level political will and local level leadership, financial and technical resources, access to support services, incentive system, capacity building and training etc. Understanding these and other facilitating or constraining factors (institutional, financial, socio-economic, agricultural and hydrological) is important for further strengthening and expanding PIM reforms.
- Suggests that efforts being made in promoting PIM reforms should be continued and further strengthened, greater emphasis is needed on ensuring equity in sharing benefits of PIM reforms and sustainability of such benefits - under the pro-poor framework. The stakeholders call for broadening the framework of PIM from simple 'transfer' to an instrument of 'restructuring' the water sector for improving its performance, ensuring equitable water access and allowing transition to a sustainable and integrated management and use of water resources. It is suggested that PIM approach can provide an important mechanism and venue for tackling water resources management issues.
- Emphasizes the need for greater attention during post-intervention phase of PIM reforms, especially on the following areas:
(a) Support Services (long term support in consultation with farmers/ users while avoiding increasing dependency).
(b) Monitoring and Evaluation (multi-perspective and participatory approach with emphasis on a third party/private sector based on a set of robust indicators).
(c) Capacity Development (substantial and prolonged capacity development at the level of policy environment, institutional strengthening and individual development).
(d) System of Incentives to promote performance and innovation.
(e) Financial Strength (WUAs resource mobilization and revenue generation capacity).
- Points out that so far PIM reforms have focused on 'downstream' side of reforms, that is, on establishing and strengthening WUAs, and only little attention has been paid to 'upstream side', that is, on reforming public irrigation agencies. For success of PIM reforms, reforming public irrigation agency is as important as establishing WUAs. There is a need to clearly define new roles and responsibilities of the public irrigation agency, and its capacity needs to be developed to enable it to adapt to its new roles.
- Encourage action research on PIM reforms through pilot testing within a framework for learning and scaling up. Pilot experiments may be necessary to clarify modalities and generate support for innovation and for creating a common vision for developing a national strategy. Pilot activities for PIM should be continued even when PIM reforms are under full implementation, because they can tackle additional aspects of reforms requiring experimentation, especially for "second generation" issues, such as WUA federations, innovations in irrigation financing, charging and cost recovery, multi-functionality of WUAs, technology transfer through WUAs, asset management in transferred schemes, agency personnel changes, and development of private sector support services.
- Re-iterates the importance of building capacity, promoting collaborations and partnerships across stakeholders at various levels; and promoting the exchange of information, knowledge, best practices and lessons learned on PIM reforms.
- Calls upon national governments, local, regional and international donors, development banks and partners to take facilitating role in promoting PIM reforms, help mobilize financial and technical resources from public and private sources, and provide required assistance to relevant organizations involved in promoting and strengthening PIM reforms.
- Thanks the Government of I.R. of Iran, ICID, INPIM, IRNCID, Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Jihad-e-Agriculture for their contributions and support in organizing the event; and other partners (including WB, FAO, IWMI) for this support for the event.
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LAHORE
DECLARATION
October 2008, Lahore, Pakistan
The target of the First Millennium Development Goal (MDG 1) is reducing hunger by 50 % by 2015. Notwithstanding the progress made to some extent, realisation is still lagging behind considerably. It is disheartening to observe that there are indeed depleting levels of global food stock. This has caused food scarcity resulting in a steep increase in food prices during 2008. This has brought us back to the global agenda on water for agriculture and better agricultural water management, the primary mission of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID).
The 20th ICID Congress in Lahore was rightly conducted on a theme quite relevant to the current needs of Food Security. The theme of Participatory Integrated Water Resources Management:' From Concept to Action' covered several sub themes. The participation of over 150 international delegates and 400 local delegates in Pakistan, which has the world's largest contiguous irrigation system could help a fair assessment of the opportunities and bottlenecks in the implementation of 'Water Management For Sustainable Agriculture Production ' and identifying the issues of importance.
In due consideration to the transactions in the Congress, deliberations in the ICID specialized working groups and recommendations of various stakeholders, the following key recommendations emerged:
(1) To achieve the required increase in Food Production in light of the rising demand, there is an urgent need to modernize and expand the irrigation and drainage systems and to improve their operation and maintenance in the broadest since as a tool to assume primary importance;
(2) The increase in worlds' population and an enhancing standard of living for the people world over ask for more production to meet the increasing demands. The looming climate change and its likely impacts on water management for agriculture requires cooperation of cutting across boundaries especially in regard to the Himalayan River Systems
- Sharing knowledge and information, intensification of data collection networks, research and technology to adapt to the increased needs under the impacts of climate change;
- A review of the operation of storage systems keeping in view the dynamics of climate change: need for enhancing storage dam based reservoir systems, enhancing soil water storage with water harvesting structures, check dams, recharging groundwater, farm dams and enhancing grain banks - virtual water storage;
- Design and operation of irrigation systems using treated or partially treated water including waste water re-use;
- Dealing with mineral tolerant plants, saline land crops and crops to withstand waterlogging.
For the countries served by the Himalayan rivers, it will be of special importance to improve in addition the knowledge on the processes in the snow clad regions.
(3) Experiences discussed in the congress reflect that participatory water management of schemes involves that the water users' contribute positively to sustainable operation and maintenance of systems. In the emerging countries the responsibility for operation and maintenance has been generally in hands of the Governments. In such cases the transfers concern the transfer of responsibility and ownership of full or parts of the systems gradually getting handed over to the farmers, and/or irrigation or drainage agencies. In the countries with a transition economy, problems of concern differ, such as the need for looking into the layout of the systems, which had hitherto been mostly based on the large-scale 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 came up as emerging issues.
(4) Investment in the modernization of (large-scale) surface irrigation schemes will result in better service provisions. The partial transfer of such schemes for participatory irrigation management will help better governance, cost recovery in stages and efficient water use.
(5) Assets created in the recent past for enhancing water availability, particularly dam based reservoirs are facing the challenge of loss of live storage at a pace that is becoming critical: the high rate of sedimentation in Himalayan reservoirs and other river systems in China, Iran, Turkey call for a global initiative to study this aspect; cooperation of international organizations like International Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD), International Hydropower Association (IHA), International Association of Hydraulic Research (IAHR) besides ICID and Research Institutions who are doing works in this regard can pool the knowledge and share it to address the problems of handling this issue.
(6) In an exclusive session on Tarbela Reservoir sedimentation, the international delegates had an appreciation of the tremendous magnitude of the impending problem arising out of loss of storage; they reviewed available solutions but acknowledged that the Tarbela case as such is unique asking further research, innovative solutions applying frontier knowledge and beyond and exchange ideas. ICID shall in accordance with its By Laws, constitute a Task Force to study this aspect of reservoir sedimentation involving experts of the member countries and liaise with other international organizations like ICOLD, IHA, etc.
(7) The international participants expressed their high appreciation for the efforts of all involved in the host country to make their stay as good as possible under the present day conditions. |
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ICID
- DECLARACIÓN DE LAHORE
Octubre, 2008, Lahore Pakistán
Una de las Metas de Desarrollo del Milenio (MDG 1) tiene por objetivo reducir el hambre, en un 50%, para el año 2015. Sin embargo los avances realizados para alcanzarlo han quedado, en cierto modo, considerablemente por debajo. Es descorazonador observar que, a pesar de todo, existen ámbitos en los que se reducen las reservas de alimentos globales. Esto ha ocasionado la escasez de alimentos que ha sido la causa del pronunciado aumento de precios en 2008, lo cual nos hace retroceder a la Agenda Mundial sobre el Agua para la Agricultura y para mejorar la gestión del agua de riego, que es la misión primaria de la Comisión Internacional de Riego y Drenaje (ICID).
El 20º Congreso de la ICID en Lahore ha estado dirigido, con gran acierto, a un asunto muy importante sobre las actuales necesidades de Seguridad Alimentaría. El tema de Gestión Participativa e Integrada de los Recursos de Agua: "Del Concepto a la Acción", abarcaba varios subtemas. La participación de más de 150 delegados internacionales y de 400 locales, en Pakistán, que posee el mayor sistema de riego contiguo del mundo, puede aconsejar acertadamente sobre las posibilidades y dificultades de la implementación de la "Gestión del Agua para una Producción Agrícola Sostenible", e identificar los aspectos de importancia.
De la debida consideración de las actas del Congreso, de las deliberaciones de los grupos especializados de la ICID y de las oportunas sugerencias de varios participantes, han salido las siguientes recomendaciones:
(1) Para lograr el necesario aumento de la Producción de Alimentos, a la vista de su creciente demanda, es preciso, urgentemente, modernizar y ampliar los sistemas de riego y drenaje, así como mejorar su funcionamiento y mantenimiento, en el más amplio sentido, por tratarse de un instrumento de primera importancia.
(2) El incremento de la población mundial y la elevación del nivel de vida en todo el mundo, exige mayores producciones para cubrir las crecientes demandas. El cambio climático que se cierne sobre nosotros y sus posibles impactos sobre la gestión del agua para la agricultura exige la cooperación para superar fronteras, especialmente en lo que respecta a los Sistemas de Ríos del Himalaya:
- Compartiendo conocimientos e información, intensificando las redes de toma de datos y la investigación y la tecnología, para adaptarlas a las necesidades crecientes bajo los efectos del cambio climático.
- Revisando el funcionamiento de los sistemas de almacenamiento de agua, teniendo presente las dinámicas del cambio del clima: necesidad de aumentar los sistemas de almacenamiento basados en presas, de incrementar el almacenamiento de agua en el suelo mediante obras para su recogida, del control de presas, de las recargas de acuíferos subterráneos, de balsas en las explotaciones y de aumentar los bancos de cereales - almacenamiento de agua virtual.
- Diseñando y empleando en los sistemas de riego aguas tratadas o parcialmente tratadas e, incluso, reutilizando aguas residuales.
- Trabajando con especies tolerantes a los minerales, con cultivos para suelos salinos o con cultivos resistentes a los encharcamientos.
(3) Las experiencias discutidas en el congreso reflejan que la gestión participativa del agua en los sistemas de riego supone que los usuarios del agua contribuyen positivamente al funcionamiento y conservación de los mismos. En los países emergentes la responsabilidad de la explotación y mantenimiento ha estado, por lo general, en manos de los Gobiernos. En estos casos las transferencias suponen la transferencia de responsabilidad y propiedad de todos los elementos del sistema, gradualmente entregados a los agricultores y/o a los organismos de riego o drenaje. A los países con economías en transición los problemas que les afectan son distintos, como es la necesidad de analizar el trazado del sistema, hasta ahora principalmente basado en la producción agraria en gran escala. Como asuntos emergentes aparecen: la transferencia de la gestión del sistema desde los tradicionales organismos gubernamentales a entidades de gestión del agua y asociaciones de usuarios, la financiación de la modernización y del subsiguiente funcionamiento, la falta de buena gobernación, los inasequibles equipos de bombeo y la degradación del medio ambiente.
(4) Las inversiones en la modernización de (grandes) sistemas de riego por gravedad darán como resultado una mejor prestación de servicios. La transferencia parcial de tales sistemas para la gestión participativa del riego ayudara a su mejor gobernanza, a la recuperación de costes por etapas y al uso más eficiente del agua.
(5) Los medios creados en el pasado reciente para aumentar la disponibilidad de agua, especialmente los embalses basados en presas, se enfrentan al reto de reducir su vida de almacenamiento, a un paso que está llegando a ser crítico. El elevado ritmo de sedimentación en los embalses del Himalaya y en otros sistemas fluviales de China, Irán, Turquía, necesita una iniciativa mundial para estudiar este asunto; se precisa la cooperación de organizaciones internacionales como la Comisión Internacional de Grandes Presas (ICOLD), la Asociación Internacional de Energía Hidráulica (IHA) y los Institutos de Investigación que están trabajando en este campo para que aúnen sus conocimientos y los compartan a fin de acometer los problemas de gestión de este tema.
(6) En una sesión exclusiva sobre la sedimentación en el Embalse de Tarbela, los delegados internacionales apreciaron la enorme magnitud del inminente problema que se deriva de la pérdida de almacenamiento; analizaron las soluciones disponibles pero reconocieron que el caso de Tarbela, como tal, es único, y pidieron que prosiga la investigación, la aportación de soluciones innovadoras que apliquen conocimientos de vanguardia y más allá, y el intercambio de ideas. De acuerdo con su Reglamento, la ICID debe constituir un Equipo de trabajo específico (Task Force) para el estudio de este aspecto de la sedimentación de los embalses, que implique a expertos de los países miembros, en colaboración con organizaciones internacionales, como ICOLD, IHA, etc.
(7) Los participantes internacionales agradecieron a todos los organizadores del país anfitrión sus esfuerzos para hacer su estancia lo mejor posible en las actuales condiciones. |
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LVIV
DECLARATION DECLARATION
23rd European
Regional Conference, Lviv, Ukraine
'Progress in Managing Water for Food and Rural Development'
18-21 May 2009
The 23rd European Regional Conference (ERC) of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID) was held during 18 - 21 May 2009 at Lviv, Ukraine. The theme of the ERC was 'Progress in Managing Water for Food and Rural Development'. The conference was organized by the Ukraine National Committee of ICID (UKCID) in cooperation with the ICID European Regional Working Group (ERWG). Professionals from Bulgaria, Germany, Hungary, Iran, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Russia, Spain, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Uzbekistan, and ICID participated in the conference and discussed the various keynotes and papers.
The Conference placed high emphasis on the issues related to flood control, water demands, GIS technologies and application in the field of water management. The special theme was dedicated to the climate change in view of frequent floods and droughts observed in Europe. Special attention was given to the development of management plans for river basins.
The 23rd European Regional Conference concluded with following Declaration/ Recommendation :
- The conference papers highlighted the good 'on-going' development with respect to integrated management of water and land resources both with respect to policy related developments (stakeholder participation, actual implementation, modeling, data collection, storage) and their dissemination.
- More and more projects were being developed and implemented in an integrated way by taking into account social conditions with stakeholder participation. Possible impacts of climate change including technical, economical, gender, and environmental aspects are getting addressed. However, more need to be done to improve these aspects. This will be especially important during the operation 23rd European Regional Conference, Lviv, Ukraine 'Progress in Managing Water for Food and Rural Development' 18-21 May 2009 'Lviv Declaration' and maintenance phase of rural development projects. It is in this phase that the benefits of projects are really realized.
- Primarily due to human activities and to a certain extent due to the impacts of climate change, the effects and impacts of floods and droughts are significantly increasing in many places. Therefore, it is increasingly important that in the development of projects, both the present day conditions as well as the envisaged mid-term and long-term scenarios are taken into account in the decision-making process. In the light of this, the European Water Framework Directive and the European Flood Directive are important guiding documents that have to be implemented jointly.
- For improved coordination of the wide range of activities for rural development at different spatial levels, like integrated land and water management, river basin management, rural development and spatial planning, it is recommended to update legislation and organizational structures where relevant.
- There is an urgent need to strengthen international water legislation for protection of water rights for agriculture in order to support sustainable and integrated water management - irrigation and/or drainage, dependent on the local conditions - as a requirement to guarantee food security.
The conference recorded its appreciation to the activities of the Inter-state Coordination Water Commission of Central Asia in the framework of cooperation of the five states - Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Kyrgyzstan - on transboundary waters under the conditions of climate change and felt that it could be an example for the trans-boundary cooperation in other river basins.
The conference also supported the development of a Russian speaking network of water management specialists that was initiated in the Moscow meeting of January 2009 and recommends that scientific organizations join the network.
Agreed actions
- To increase food production significantly, through sustainable rural development in the forthcoming decades by realizing the potential of several of the European countries, like Ukraine, it was agreed (by several parties) that an initiative will be taken for a joint project on 'Integrated Water Management' for improving food production in European countries. The ICID European Working Group will take the initiative to prepare a proposal in cooperation with the potential partners.
- To improve the network for European young professionals in the water management sector to be initiated jointly by UKCID and GECID. They will also promote joint activities like research projects, exchanges, summer schools, etc.
- To review and further develop the activities of Work Team on Sustainable Irrigation Management (WT-SIM) in light of integrated rural development.
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Declaración de Lviv
23ª Conferencia Regional Europea, Lviv, Ucrania
“Progreso en la Gestión del Agua para los Alimentos y el Desarrollo Rural”
18-21 de mayo, 2009
La 23ª Conferencia Regional Europea (ERC) de la Comisión Internacional de Riego y Drenaje (ICI) tuvo lugar en Lviv, Ucrania, del 18 al 21 de mayo de 2009. El Tema de la ERC fue el “Progreso en la Gestión del Agua para los Alimentos y el Desarrollo Rural”. La Conferencia estuvo organizada por el Comité Nacional Ucraniano de la ICID (UKCID) en cooperación con el Grupo de Trabajo Regional Europeo de la ICID (ERWG), y en ella participaron profesionales de Bulgaria, Alemania, Hungría, Irán, Países Bajos, Polonia, Rumania, Rusia, España, Ucrania, Reino Unido, Uzbekistán y de la ICID, y debatieron los varias conferencias magistrales y los trabajos presentados.
La Conferencia puso gran énfasis en los temas relacionados con el control de inundaciones, las necesidades de agua, las tecnologías de Sistemas de Información Geográfica (SIG) y su aplicación al campo de la gestión del agua. El tema especial se dedicó al cambio climático, en vista de las frecuentes inundaciones y sequías que se observan en Europa. Atención especial se prestó al desarrollo de planes de gestión para las cuencas fluviales.
La 23ª Conferencia Regional Europea concluyó con la siguiente Declaración/ Recomendación:
1.- Los trabajos de la conferencia pusieron de relieve la buena marcha del desarrollo en relación con la gestión integrada de los recursos de agua y territorio, tanto en lo que respecta a los avances relacionados con la política (participación de beneficiarios, implementación real, modelización, recogida de datos, almacenamiento), como a su difusión.
2.- Cada vez se desarrollan e implementan más proyectos integrados, que tienen en cuenta las condiciones sociales, con la participación de los usuarios. También se está tratando sobre los posibles impactos del cambio climático en aspectos técnicos, económicos, de sexo y medioambientales. Sin embargo, para mejorar estos aspectos, es preciso hacer más. Esto será especialmente importante en las fases de operación y mantenimiento de los proyectos de desarrollo rural.
3.- Debido principalmente a las actividades humanas y, en cierto modo, a los efectos del cambio climático, los impactos de las inundaciones y sequías están aumentando significativamente en muchos lugares. Por ello es cada vez más importante que, en la puesta en marcha de los proyectos, durante el proceso de toma de decisiones, se tengan en cuenta tanto las condiciones actuales como los escenarios previstos a medio y largo plazo. A la luz de esto, la Directiva Marco del Agua Europea y la Directiva Europea de Inundaciones son importantes documentos-guía, que deben ser conjuntamente implementados.
4.- Con el fin de mejorar la coordinación del amplio abanico de actividades para el desarrollo rural a diferentes niveles espaciales, como son la gestión integrada del territorio y el agua, la gestión de la cuenca fluvial, el desarrollo rural y la planificación espacial, se recomienda actualizar la legislación y las estructuras de organización, en donde sea pertinente.
5.- Es urgente la necesidad de fortalecer la legislación internacional del agua para proteger los derechos de agua de la agricultura, con el objeto de apoyar una gestión sostenible e integrada de este recurso – riego y/o drenaje, dependiendo de las condiciones locales – como requerimiento para garantizar la seguridad alimentaria.
La conferencia dejó constancia de su aprecio por las actividades de la Comisión Coordinadora del Agua de Asia Central en el marco de la cooperación de cinco estados –Kazajstán, Tayikistán, Uzbekistán, Turkmenistán y Kirguistán – sobre aguas transfronterizas en condiciones de cambio climático, y consideró que podría ser un ejemplo de cooperación transfronteriza para otras cuencas fluviales.
La conferencia también apoyó el establecimiento de una red, en lengua rusa, de especialistas en gestión del agua, iniciada en la reunión en Moscú, en enero de 2009, y recomienda que las organizaciones científicas se incorporen a dicha red.
Acciones acordadas
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Incrementar significativamente, en las próximas décadas, la producción de alimentos mediante un desarrollo rural sostenible, haciendo realidad el potencial productivo de varios países europeos, como Ucrania. Para ello se acordó (por diversas partes) acometer una iniciativa de proyecto conjunto sobre “Gestión Integrada del Agua” para mejorar la producción de alimentos en los países europeos. El Grupo de Trabajo Europeo de la ICID tomará la iniciativa para preparar una propuesta en colaboración con los potenciales partícipes
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Mejorar la red europea para jóvenes profesionales en el sector de gestión del agua, que será iniciada conjuntamente por el UKCID y GECID. También promoverán actividades conjuntas como proyectos de investigación, intercambios, cursos de verano, etc.
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Revisar y continuar desarrollando las actividades del Equipo de Trabajo sobre Gestión Sostenible del Riego (WT-SIM), a la luz del desarrollo rural integrado.
Agradecimiento al VP Peter Kovalenko, UKC2wrenuk.ID, Kiev, Ucrania
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DELHI
DECLARATION
December 2009, New Delhi, India
60TH
INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING AND 5TH ASIAN REGIONAL CONFERENCE
PREAMBLE
The Indian National Committee on Irrigation and Drainage (INCID) hosted the events before you on the theme "Improvement in efficiency of irrigation projects through technology upgradation and better operation and management". More than 700 professionals, experts, researchers, policy makers, managers, donors, development partners, and representatives from national, international organizations from 40 countries participated in the event.
Global food demand is expected to double over the next 25-30 years. An increase in irrigated area and consequent increase in water withdrawals for food production is therefore imperative. This conference is very much timely in view of the worldwide issue of soaring food prices impacted by global financial turmoil. Many national governments, particularly in emerging and least developed countries would have to put major efforts to achieve the required increase in food production. This global event provided an important platform for discussing issues, experiences, best practices, innovative ideas and challenges in agricultural water management specifically focusing on technological upgradation and improvement of water management in the Asian region. More than 190 technical papers were presented in the Conference covering wide range of technical, institutional, legal issues of irrigation development and management
The Conference was inaugurated by Hon'ble Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh, who highlighted the challenge of food demand, climate change, floods and drought requiring integrated approach into resource management to conserve water and ensure equitable distribution of resources, through citizen and State actions.
DELHI DECLARATION
- Realizing the growing population, industrialization and urbanization;
- Foreseeing the increased demand for precious water resources for various purposes particularly for agriculture;
- Recognizing the enormous challenges and complexities associated with the water sector;
- Considering the likely impact of Climate Change on agricultural land and water resources; and
In due consideration of the transactions and deliberations in various technical working groups, special sessions, and the Asian Regional Conference it was resolved that:
- There is an urgent need for implementing various strategies and measures to boost agricultural production utilizing the available water and land resources with the highest efficiency possible in context to the social, economic and ecological factors. Since secured food production comes mostly from irrigated agriculture, especially in semi-arid and arid countries, it calls for a considerable improvement in the overall performance of the irrigation and drainage sector
- About 70%, a major part of the world's irrigated area lies in the Asian region, as is its share of global population. Agricultural Water Management in Asian countries plays a crucial role not only in coping with food demand but also in alleviation of poverty, especially in rural areas. National Governments need to invigorate their focus in modernization / improvement of publicly operated irrigation and / or drainage schemes creating a synergy between agricultural and water policies with a view to securing food.
- Recognizing the enormous challenges and complex issues facing the irrigation sector, increased investment both from public and private sources not only for expansion of irrigation area but also for modernizing existing infrastructure through the appropriate institutional arrangements are needed. Private sector is urged to come forward and discharge their social responsibility in water and food sector.
- Farmers, as the principal stakeholders, should be consulted. Women play a big role in food production. Participatory Irrigation Management (PIM) with well introduced reforms can enhance irrigation performance. National and regional governments and donor agencies are urged to support PIM, and encourage reforms by mobilizing financial and technical sources. There is a need to make Water User Associations (WUAs) economically sound and legally empowered.
- Enhanced support is needed for research and development, capacity building, improved extension services in the dissemination of technology/information/ knowledge among all stakeholders, especially farmers. Promote best agricultural technologies and their dissemination to reach up to the level of the farmers.
- Taking into consideration the likely impacts of climate change on the availability of water resources and crop yields, national governments and related organizations are called upon to develop work plans for adoption/mitigation measures and encourage their implementation.
- An integrated approach of agricultural drainage by developing and adopting modern technologies and tools suited to local conditions for the reclamation of waterlogged and saline areas is required right from planning / implementation stage.
- The public private partnership in development and management of water resources for irrigation with the involvement of local stakeholders to ensure efficient management of the scarce water resources is to be given immediate attention.
- Encouraging an increase in investment in water resources sector, particularly in irrigation, from both private and public sources will create a proper envision for a thrust in action oriented programme.
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Declaración de Delhi
5ª CONFERENCIA REGIONAL ASIÁTICA, Nueva Delhi, diciembre de 2009
- Siendo una realidad el crecimiento de la población, la industrialización y la urbanización,
- Previendo la creciente demanda con fines diversos, y, en particular, para la agricultura, de los preciados recursos hídricos,
- Reconociendo los enormes retos y complejidades relacionados con el sector del agua, y
- Teniendo en cuenta la posible repercusión del Cambio Climático sobre el suelo agrícola y los recursos hídricos; y
Con la debida consideración a las actas y deliberaciones de los diversos grupos técnicos de trabajo, sesiones especiales y Conferencia Regional Asiática, se ha resuelto que:
- Es una necesidad urgente la puesta en marcha diversas estrategias y medidas para impulsar la producción agraria utilizando el agua disponible y los recursos de territorio con la mayor eficiencia posible, en el contexto de los factores sociales, económicos y ecológicos. Dado que la garantía de producción de alimentos proviene, en su mayor parte, de la agricultura de regadío, especialmente en los países áridos y semiáridos, es preciso que los sectores del riego y drenaje mejoren considerablemente sus prestaciones.
- La mayor parte –alrededor del 70%- de las tierras de riego del mundo, se encuentran en la región de Asia, igual que su parte correspondiente de población mundial. La Gestión del Agua en la Agricultura en los países asiáticos juega un papel crucial, no solo para cubrir la demanda de alimentos sino, también, para aliviar la pobreza, especialmente en las zonas rurales. Los Gobiernos Nacionales necesitan vigorizar sus esfuerzos en modernización / mejora de los sistemas de riego y/o drenaje explotados por el sector público, creando una sinergia entre las políticas agrarias y del agua, con la mirada puesta en asegurar los alimentos.
- Reconociendo los enormes retos y la complejidad de los asuntos a los que se enfrenta el sector del riego, la creciente inversión tanto del sector público como de fuentes privadas, y no solo para aumentar la superficie en riego sino también para modernizar las infraestructuras existentes, son necesarias estructuras institucionales apropiadas. Se urge al sector privado para hacerse presente y cumplir con su responsabilidad social en el sector del agua y los alimentos.
- Los agricultores, como principales partícipes, deben ser consultados. Las mujeres juegan un gran papel en la producción de alimentos. La Gestión Participativa del Riego (PIM), con reformas bien introducidas, pueden elevar las prestaciones del riego. Se urge a los gobiernos nacionales y regionales y a las entidades donantes para que apoyen la participación de los agricultores en la gestión de riego y animen a hacer reformas movilizando fuentes financieras y técnicas. Es preciso crear Asociaciones de Usuarios de Agua (WUAs) económicamente sólidas y con poderes legales.
- Se precisa mayor apoyo para la investigación y desarro
llo, capacitación, mejora de los servicios de extensión para difusión de tecnología, información y conocimiento entre todos los usuarios, especialmente los agricultores, así como promover mejores técnicas agrícolas y difundirlas para que lleguen al nivel de los agricultores.
- Teniendo en consideración las posibles repercusiones del cambio climático sobre los recursos hídricos disponibles y las cosechas, se invita a los gobiernos nacionales y a las organizaciones relacionadas con ellos, para que desarrollen planes de trabajo sobre medidas de adopción y/o mitigación, y fomenten su puesta en marcha.
- Desde la fase de planificación e implementación es necesario tener un enfoque integrado del drenaje agrícola mediante el desarrollo y la adopción de tecnologías modernas y herramientas adaptadas a las condiciones locales para la recuperación de zonas encharcadas y salinas.
- Para asegurar una gestión eficiente de los recursos de agua escasos es preciso prestar una atención inmediata a la participación pública – privada en el aprovechamiento y gestión de los recursos hídricos para el riego, con la implicación de usuarios locales.
- El fomento del incremento de la inversión en el sector de los recursos de agua, particularmente en el riego, tanto de fuentes privadas como públicas, creará una adecuada previsión para impulsar programas orientados hacia la acción.
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YOGYAKARTA DECLARATION
October 2010, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
61ST
INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING AND 6TH ASIAN REGIONAL CONFERENCE
We, the participants of the 6th ICID Asian Regional Conference, held on 14-16 October 2010 in Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Discussing
- Improvement of Irrigation and Drainage Efficiently through Participatory Irrigation Development under Small Land Holding Conditions
Considering
- that most of the food production in the Asia region is done by smallholders and that smallholders are amongst the poorest segments of the population;
- the conversion of irrigated lands to non-agricultural purposes, because of urbanization;
- the continuous change of farmland ownership to people from cities;
- the increasing financial reliance on commercial and off-farm income opportunities for smallholders brought by urbanization;
- the gradual decline in interest of better educated young people to continue smallholder farming;
- the rapid increase in urban population which has changed the standard of living requires a significant increase in food production.
Recognizing
- the need for improved land and water productivity to improve smallholders livelihoods and to meet food security targets as a result of land conversion;
- irrigation and drainage efficiency must be improved as a priority in order to improve smallholders’ livelihood;
- the need for off-farm income to cover smallholders’ basic needs;
- the limited financial capacity of smallholders to pay irrigation service fees or to invest in improvement of technology;
- the need for more resilient farming practices to cope with increasing climate variability and water scarcity;
- the need for better environmental management of catchments, rivers, and irrigated areas covered by water management and flood protection systems;
We call upon
- Governments to:
- Direct agriculture policies and support programs towards generation of more sustainable off-farm employment by developing local agro-industries, provide affordable credit systems, and access to markets;
- Facilitate the development of WUAs (Water User Associations) and WUAFs (Water User Association Federations) towards becoming integrated water, agriculture and eco-system managers, and make them the guardians of the environment;
- Develop a vision and facilitate the transition process from the present smallholder systems to commercial farming entrepreneurs;
- Knowledge Institutions to
- Analyze experiences and develop best practices and approaches for scaling up of integrated WUA/WUAFs as water, agriculture and eco-system managers;
- Analyze experiences of other countries and develop best practices and approaches, for managing the medium to long term transition for smallholder based farming to commercial larger farming and agro-based enterprises;
- Develop and introduce new affordable, water efficient, climate resilient, and eco-friendly technologies to enhance smallholder productivity and improvement of smallholder livelihoods;
- Agricultural services and irrigation and drainage management agencies to
- Act as service providers which effectively engage the smallholders’ WUA/WUAFs as partners in all aspects of development and management, in a coherent and coordinated way, especially with adaptation to urbanization, industrialization, land conversion and climate change;
- Welcome entrepreneurial activity that increase rural participation in the value chain and addresses the discrepancies in rural-urban livelihoods
- International organizations and financing institutions to
- Stimulate information exchange, research, technology transfer, and facilitate international dialogue in the challenges of, and options for irrigators and smallholders undertaking agriculture in rapidly urbanizing and industrializing societies.
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DECLARACIÓN DE YOGYAKARTA
Yogyakarta, Indonesia, Octubre de 2010
61ª REUNIÓN DEL CONSEJO EJECUTIVO INTERNACIONAL (IEC) Y
6ª CONFERENCIA REGIONAL ASIÁTICA (ARC)
Los participantes en la 6ª Conferencia Regional Asiática de la ICID, celebrada en Yogyakarta, Indonesia, del 14 al 16 de octubre de 2010:
Hemos tratado sobre
- La mejora de la eficiencia del riego y el drenaje, mediante el desarrollo del riego participativo, en condiciones de minifundio.
Hemos considerado
- Que la mayor parte de la producción de alimentos en la región de Asia se debe a los pequeños propietarios agrícolas y que éstos se encuentran entre los sectores más pobres de la población;
- La conversión de terrenos regados para otros usos, debido a la urbanización;
- Los continuos cambios de propiedad de terrenos de cultivo a personas de las ciudades;
- La creciente confianza en las oportunidades de ingresos en actividades comerciales y no agrícolas, que ofrece la urbanización para los pequeños agricultores.
- El declive gradual del interés de formar mejor a los jóvenes para continuar como pequeños agricultores;
- El rápido crecimiento de la población urbana, que ha elevado el nivel de vida, y que exige un incremento significativo de la producción de alimentos.
Reconocemos
- La necesidad de elevar la productividad del suelo y del agua para mejorar los medios de subsistencia de los agricultores minifundistas y alcanzar las metas de seguridad, como resultado de la conversión del terreno;
- Que, para elevar los medios de subsistencia de los pequeños agricultores, es prioritario mejorar las eficiencias del riego y el drenaje;
- La necesidad de proporcionar ingresos exteriores a la explotación para cubrir las necesidades básicas de los pequeños agricultores;
- La limitada capacidad financiera de los pequeños agricultores para pagar las tasas por servicio del riego o para invertir en la mejora de la tecnología;
- La necesidad de utilizar prácticas de cultivo con mayor capacidad de recuperación para hacer frente a la creciente variabilidad del clima y escasez de agua;
- La necesidad de mejorar la gestión medioambiental de las cuencas, ríos y la gestión de zonas regables anegadas así como de sistemas de protección de inundaciones;
Invitamos
- A los Gobiernos, a que:
- Ordenen políticas agrarias y apoyen programas para la generación de empleos más estables fuera de las explotaciones agrícolas, creando industrias agrarias locales y proporcionando sistemas de crédito asequibles, así como el acceso a los mercados;
- Faciliten el desarrollo de Asociaciones de Usuarios de Agua (WUAs) y de Federaciones de Asociaciones de Usuarios de Agua (WUAFs), para convertirlas en gestoras integradas del agua, de la agricultura y de los ecosistemas, y hacer de ellas guardianas del medio ambiente;
- Desarrollen una visión de futuro y faciliten el proceso de transición de los actuales sistemas de minifundio a los de empresas de cultivos comerciales;
- Establezcan Instituciones de Conocimiento para:
- Analizar experiencias y perfeccionar las mejores prácticas y planteamientos para aumentar las Asociaciones y Federaciones de Asociaciones de Usuarios de Agua integradas como gestoras del agua, la agricultura y los ecosistemas.
- Analizar experiencias de otros países y desarrollar las mejores prácticas y planteamientos para gestionar el medio hacia una transición a largo plazo de una agricultura basada en minifundios a otra de carácter comercial, de explotaciones mayores y basada en empresas agrarias.
- Desarrollar e introducir nuevas tecnologías asequibles, eficientes para el agua, resistentes ante el clima y amables para el medio ambiente para elevar la productividad de los pequeños agricultores y mejorar los medios de subsistencia de éstos;
- Creen servicios agrícolas y organismos de gestión del riego y el drenaje, para:
- Actuar como proveedores de servicios, que involucren de forma efectiva a los pequeños agricultores de las WUAs y WUAFs como participantes en todos los aspectos del desarrollo y la gestión, de manera coordinada y coherente, especialmente con adaptación a la urbanización, industrialización, conversión del campo y cambio climático.
- Dar acogida a la actividad empresarial que incrementa la participación rural en la cadena de valor y aborda las discrepancias entre los medios de subsistencia rurales y urbanos.
- Se dirijan a organizaciones internacionales e instituciones de financiación, para:
- Estimular el intercambio de información, investigación, transferencia de tecnología y facilitar el diálogo internacional en los desafíos y opciones que tienen los regantes y minifundistas dedicados a la agricultura en sociedades en rápidos procesos de urbanización e industrialización.
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GRONINGEN DECLARATION
May 2011, Groningen, The Netherlands
Preamble
About 150 participants from 24 countries attended the 25th European Regional Conference of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID), 16 - 20 May 2011, Groningen, the Netherlands, with a fieldtrip to the northern coastal area of Germany. The conference was jointly organised by the Netherlands and German National ICID Committees. The theme of the conference was Deltas in Europe. Integrated water management for multiple land use in flat coastal areas. There were four topics: Multiple land use, Fresh water management and salt intrusion, Flood risk management and Institutional arrangements and history.
In total 57 papers were approved for the conference, more or less evenly spread over the topics with some more papers for Topic III. There were 11 keynote presentations, several workshops, a panel discussion, excursions and a social programme. Based on this the following statements were presented and supported by the participants at the closing session of the Conference.
General
(I) Most European countries with flat coastal areas are facing similar problems like: design standards for water management and flood protection provisions are often significantly below the economic optimum, problems with food production due to changes in land use from predominantly agriculture to multi-functional land use, urbanisation and climate change resulting in an increase in rainfall extremes and drought periods.
(II) In analysing the problems of flat coastal areas a distinction needs to be made between effects of human induced changes in land use, like population growth, urbanisation, increase in value of property and land subsidence, and impacts of climate change. With respect to water management and flood protection human induced changes in land use by far dominate impacts of climate change.
(III) Cooperation amongst authorities and other stakeholders, as well as between countries on trans-boundary issues is important for successful development and management of flat coastal areas. Such coordination is often not optimal in practice and generally needs to be improved.
(IV) In a significant number of the papers real innovative approaches were shown. However with several of the cases that were presented more experience will have to be obtained before they can be implemented in practice.
Topic I. Multiple Land Use
(V) Integrated approaches, taking into account different types of land use with their interactions, are nowadays required in land reclamation for urban development, as well as for rural development projects.
(VI) An interesting tool to provide insight in flood risk are risk assessment maps based on topography, hydrology and land use, which are nowadays available in several countries and easily accessible through the internet.
(VII) Public awareness for flood risk is difficult to achieve because calamities don’t occur regularly and people tend not to follow government advice.
(VIII) To adapt to climate change to sustain agricultural activities in the Netherlands three different landscapes may be distinguished: peatlands, sandy soils and polder areas. Each type of area has its own challenges and need for adaptation.
Adaptation strategies need smart solutions, such as living with water and living on water. Agriculture needs different approaches and high-tech capital intensive farming is one of them. However, the future for continuing agriculture in some of the marginal flood prone areas is bleak.
(IX) In the development of rural areas in the Netherlands the focus of water management has changed from drainage and flood protection in the 1950s to landscape and nature development since the 1990s. Currently spatial planning is guiding water management measures. An integrated territorial approach is being followed to come up with carefully balanced solutions. This approach is successful because, among others, it is based on a participatory process and a multidisciplinary approach. Three instruments are being used in support of the process: Sketch ‘n Match, Virtual Reality and Touch table. It is important that solutions are tailor-made and supported by stakeholders.
Topic II. Fresh water management and salt intrusion
(X) Most papers described a modelling approach, for example one on the transferability of SVAT model results from field to greenhouse experiments, one on SOBEK modelling and another on the prevention/reduction of salt water intrusion in shiplocks.
(XI) There was an interesting paper showing research results on the possible disappearance of fresh water lenses in the root zone due to climate change. Adaptation by means of innovative drainage and irrigation methods are considered to be required.
(XII) Several papers have shown and emphasized salinity intrusion as an ever increasing problem, for agriculture, for fresh water intake and other functions of the water system. This will only increase in future, as climate change will cause sea level rise and lower rainfall and river discharge in the dry season.
Topic III Flood risk management
(XIII) In analyses of flood risk management various aspects - hydrological, social, economical, environment, human induced changes in land use and impacts of climate change - and potential measures - flood risk reduction, flood protection (of urban areas), flood forecasting and warning, preparedness and after care - as well as their optimal combination need to be considered. A multi criteria analysis can be a useful part of investigations.
(XIV) The presentation on the Kokemaenjoki River Basin in Finland showed the risk of ice jams. In northern countries these risks are expected to increase in the next decades. Surprising is that due to global warming and related variations in temperature more ice jams are expected.
(XV) It was stated that there is no need for new technical concepts but especially increased awareness of flood risk is important. However, it remains hard to create awareness and we tend to underestimate psychological aspects of a flood. We should better learn from disasters. The following was proposed to reduce flood risk in the near future: from flood protection to damage prevention, from sophisticated systems to simple systems, use of a multiple layer (of safety) approach and more accountability for private owners.
(XVI) Several new methods were presented to determine the design standard of flood protection provisions. Present standards have generally been developed based on an economic perspective only with no attention to casualties. To identify if differentiation in design standards would be socially acceptable, views from governments, business organizations, regional water authorities and Non Government Organisations (NGO) would have to be analysed.
(XVII) Several models were presented that were dealing not only with water flow, but also with debris flow and erosion aspects, as well as the impacts of land use on these processes. In most of these models a hydraulic model is combined with a Geographic Information System (GIS, DEM) to analyse the spatial differences.
(XVIII) There is a trend to ‘make space for water’ or ‘room for the river’. When this is not an option, like in densely populated urban areas, there is a need to optimize structural measures, especially for dikes. Several innovative concepts - for example the spatially integrated dike - were presented. Of course, there is the option to strengthen dikes and to improve the bank protection, but in addition it is of importance to consider spatial-multifunctional concepts, like for example using willow trees or mangroves to reduce wave impacts or to design dikes for example integrated with buildings. Such approaches require dialogues between engineers and spatial planners to come to agreement on design, manageability, long-term planning horizon of space occupation and functionality.
Topic IV. Institutional arrangements and history
(XIX) There are evident differences between countries. In Europe substantial investments are being made to restore a more natural situation (though the scale is small in comparison to the original situation), while in emerging countries economic development is considered to be more important than environmental aspects, while it is seen as the way to develop people’s livelihoods. Due to this it is important to be careful with projecting ideas on sustainable development of developed countries upon emerging and least developed countries.
(XX) The water management and flood protection agenda is to a large extent dependent on political preferences (e.g. budget cuts in developed countries, political considerations in emerging countries, disputes about trans-boundary issues). Despite environmental awareness, politics determine the water management and flood protection direction. An optimal situation for ecology is often not feasible because of other requirements such as for flood protection, navigation and cost-efficiency.
(XXI) The question has been raised if the EU Water Framework Directive is not too ambitious, or if it is good to have such ambitious goals? For heavily modified and artificial waters the goals can be defined by the member states themselves, which means that measures can be successful. Still, the decisions on required measures will be very hard and actual implementation depends on budgets.
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TEHRAN DECLARATION
October 2011, Tehran, Iran
The 21st ICID Congress, the 8th International Micro Irrigation Congress and the 62nd IEC meeting of ICID were held between 19-23 October 2011 in Tehran, Iran. More than 1200 delegates from 55 countries attended the event. More than 200 papers were presented. Representatives from FAO-UN, ADB joined the event, given the importance of the topics of the Congress and related meetings on Investment in Agricultural Water Sector.
While the Congress was focused on considering the theme on “Water Productivity Towards Food Security”, the Micro Irrigation Congress deliberated on issues related to “Innovations in Technology and Management of Micro Irrigation for Enhanced Productivity”. As a result of intense deliberations following the presentations, the following recommendations emerged:
(1) Throughout the world the increasing signs of water stress, accentuated by the climate change are too imminent. The changes in the patterns of precipitation and temperature impact agricultural sector severely, particularly with rainfed agriculture. Increasing physical water productivity reduces the need for additional water required in irrigated lands to meet the increasing demand for doubling food production, meeting other water requirements, while at the same time providing sufficient water for the sustainability of ecosystems.
(2) As water becomes a more limiting resource than land and other resources it is logical to focus on “maximizing water productivity”. Creating an enabling environment allows the adoption of improved water management and other rainfed agriculture technologies to achieve this productivity increase. Where needed, the national policies can be changed involving the stakeholders to encourage maximizing water productivity by valuing water. A financial policy which reallocates to water use efficient practices and options can yield the desired results.
(3) Rainfed agriculture is very important to enhance food security and ecosystems sustainability. However, especially in the arid and semi-arid region, rainfed agriculture produces much below the potential achievable. Returns on investment in rainfed systems need to be high and hence it is essential in many areas to apply supplemental irrigation, water harvesting and soil and water conservation in addition to facilitating access to necessary inputs, to achieve better results.
(4) Impacts of climate change and droughts on rainfed production require more emphasis and consideration. It is important to increase support to research and capacity building in support of rainfed agriculture. Especially for understanding the impacts of climate change and adaptation measures in addition to optimizing water management.
(5) Cost of desalination of water for agriculture use is generally prohibitively high. Therefore water productivity efforts should focus on:
- decreasing water losses in different phases of supply, distribution and consumption;
- improving irrigation methods, optimizing farming, garden and green area patterns.
-
reuse of wastewater for agricultural and city green areas.
(6) Irrigation Water Productivity (IWP) is a promising tool to evaluate the effectiveness of water allocated to agriculture from economical and environmental consideration particularly within water stressed regions. Local knowledge and modern technological information are required to increase water productivity.
(7) It is important to realize that irrigation has an important role in the crop production process. However, in order to have high water productivity there are other important key players in this process, which need to be aligned with irrigation technology and management. Examples are, proper agro technology, improving the soil condition, better seeds, appropriate fertilization, and above all the importance of farm management.
(8) Evaporation from the field is an actual water loss within rainfed and irrigation schemes, which is not recoverable. So attempts need to be directed to technology and management of irrigation and drainage, planning and operation to minimize such water loss.
(9) Supplemental irrigation is a key strategy, so far underutilized on a regional basis to unlock the yield potential under rainfed water scarcity conditions. Realizing that sub-surface drip irrigation is more effective than conventional drip irrigation systems in decreasing water evaporation and deep percolation especially in warm regions and light soils can act as a catalyst to seek funding support.
(10) The concept of crop water requirement needs to be reconsidered with the aim to focus on the actual water consumed by crops. Irrigation technology needs to be directed to the systems, which minimize losses and hence moving towards more water productivity.
(11) Water management practices and technologies with high irrigation water productivity need to be studied and recommended for planning, decision making and design, based on the basin water balance rather than measurements at the farm level.
(12) There is an urgent need to improve designs and to increase micro-irrigation systems efficiency by incorporating latest research findings. In countries with low literacy level of farmers, priority would have to be given to training of illiterate farmers to apply pressurized and micro-irrigation systems.
(13) Recognizing that increase in water productivity based on crop for drop needs to be given prime importance in the 21st Century.
(14) The participants expressed their high appreciation for the organizers, the Iranian National Committee on Irrigation and Drainage (IRNCID), for the excellent and friendly organization of the Congress. |
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DECLARACIÓN DE TEHERÁN
Octubre de 2011, Teherán, Irán
Entre el 19 y el 23 de octubre de 2011 han tenido lugar en Teherán, Irán, el 21º Congreso Internacional de la ICID, el 8º Congreso Internacional de Micro-riego y la 62ª reunión del Consejo Ejecutivo Internacional de la ICID. A estos actos han asistido más de 1200 delegados de 56 países, y se han presentado más de 200 comunicaciones. Asimismo, dada la importancia de los temas del Congreso y de las reuniones relacionadas con las inversiones en el Sector del Agua Agrícola, a éstas asistieron representantes de la FAO-UN y del ADB.
Mientras que el 21º Congreso se centró en “La Productividad del Agua para la Seguridad Alimentaria”, en el 8º Congreso de Micro-riego se debatieron asuntos relacionados con “Innovaciones en Tecnología y Gestión del Micro-riego para elevar la Productividad”. Como resultado de los intensos debates seguidos a las presentaciones surgieron las siguientes recomendaciones:
(1) Son demasiado inminentes en todo el mundo las crecientes señales de escasez de agua, acentuadas por el cambio climático. La evolución del régimen de precipitaciones y temperaturas afecta seriamente al sector agrario y, en especial, a la agricultura de secano. La elevación de la productividad física del agua reduce la necesidad de agua adicional de las tierras regadas para cubrir la creciente demanda y duplicar la producción de alimentos, permitiendo satisfacer otras demandas de agua, al tiempo que proporciona agua suficiente para el sostenimiento de los ecosistemas.
(2) Como el agua se está convirtiendo en un factor más limitante que el territorio o que otros recursos, es lógico centrar la atención en “maximizar su productividad”. La creación de un medio ambiente con capacidad permite la adopción de una mejor gestión del agua y de otras tecnologías de la agricultura de secano, para conseguir dicho incremento de productividad. Allí donde sea preciso se pueden cambiar las políticas nacionales, involucrando a los usuarios para animarles a optimizar la productividad del agua, dándole a esta un valor. Una política financiera que reasigne prácticas y opciones eficientes al uso del agua puede producir los resultados deseados.
(3) La agricultura de secano es muy importante para elevar la seguridad alimentaria y para el sostenimiento de los ecosistemas. Sin embargo, especialmente en las regiones áridas y semiáridas, la producción de la agricultura de secano está muy por debajo de su potencial alcanzable. Los rendimientos de las inversiones en los sistemas de secano tienen que ser altos por lo que, en muchas zonas, es esencial aplicar riegos suplementarios, prácticas de recogida de agua y conservación de suelo y agua, además de facilitar el acceso a los productos necesarios para lograr los mejores resultados.
(4) Los efectos del cambio climático y de las sequías en la producción de secano requieren que se les dé más importancia y consideración. Para el sostenimiento de la agricultura de secano es importante aumentar el apoyo a la investigación y a la capacitación. Especialmente para entender los efectos del cambio climático y las medidas de adaptación, además de para optimizar la gestión del agua.
(5) El coste de la desalación del agua para uso agrícola es, por lo general, prohibitivo. Por ello los esfuerzos en la productividad deben centrarse en:
1.- la reducción de pérdidas de agua en las diferentes fases del suministro, la distribución y el consumo;
2.- la mejora de los métodos de riego, optimizando las pautas de cultivo, huertos y zonas verdes;
3.- la reutilización de aguas residuales en zonas verdes agrícolas y urbanas.
(6) La Productividad del Agua de Riego es un indicador prometedor para evaluar la efectividad del agua asignada a la agricultura desde un punto de vista económico y medioambiental y, en particular, en regiones con escasez. Para elevar la productividad del agua se requiere conocimiento local e información tecnológica moderna.
(7) Es importante darse cuenta de que el riego tiene un papel importante en el proceso de producción de cosechas. Sin embargo, para lograr una elevada productividad del agua existen otros actores básicos, importantes en este proceso, que necesitan estar alineados con la gestión y la tecnología del riego. Ejemplos son una tecnología agraria adecuada, la mejora de las condiciones del suelo, mejores semillas, fertilización adecuada y, sobre todo, la importancia de la gestión de la explotación.
(8) La evaporación del terreno es una pérdida real -y no recuperable- de agua en los sistemas de secano y regadío. Por ello, para minimizar estas pérdidas de agua, se necesita hacer intentos orientados a la tecnología y la gestión del riego y el drenaje, y a la planificación y explotación de dichos sistemas.
(9) El riego suplementario es una estrategia clave, hasta ahora poco empleada en ámbitos regionales, para desbloquear el potencial productivo del secano en situaciones de escasez, La comprobación de que el riego por goteo subterráneo es más efectivo que el método convencional para reducir la evaporación y la percolación profunda, especialmente en regiones cálidas con suelos ligeros puede actuar como catalizador para buscar apoyo financiero.
(10) El concepto de necesidad de agua del cultivo debe ser reconsiderado para centrarse en el agua realmente consumida por las plantas. La tecnología del riego necesita ser dirigida hacia los sistemas, lo que minimiza las pérdidas y por ello avanza hacia una mayor productividad del agua.
(11) Las prácticas de gestión del agua y las tecnologías de alta productividad del agua de riego necesitan ser estudiadas y recomendadas para la planificación, la toma de decisiones y el diseño, basados en el balance de agua de la cuenca más que en las mediciones a nivel explotación.
(12) Hay una urgente necesidad de mejorar los proyectos y elevar la eficiencia de los sistemas de micro-riego incorporando los últimos hallazgos de la investigación. En países con bajo grado de alfabetización de los agricultores se debe dar prioridad al adiestramiento de éstos en la aplicación de sistemas a presión y de micro-riego.
(13) Se reconoce que al incremento de la productividad del agua basado en “producción por gota” se le debe dar una importancia primordial en el siglo XXI.
(14) Los participantes manifestaron estar muy agradecidos a los organizadores, al Comité Nacional Iraní de Riego y Drenaje (IRNCID), por la excelente y agradable organización del Congreso
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