Kick-off meeting of the WWF7

More than 200 representatives from the world water community participated in the Kick-off meeting of WWF7 held on 14-15 May 2013 at Daegu-Gyeongbuk, Republic of Korea. This two-day event was inaugurated by World Water Council President Ben Braga together with distinguished guests Mr. Seoung-hwan Suh, Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport of the Republic of Korea; Mr. Bum-il Kim, Mayor of Daegu; Mr. Jung-moo Lee, Chair of National Committee for the 7th World Water Forum and Mr. Kwan-yong Kim, Governor of Gyeongbuk Province. Earlier, on 13 May, Mr. Hongwon Chung, Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea welcomed all the visiting dignitaries in a reception ceremony. Mr. Yong Jiao, Chinese Vice-Minister of Water Resources and representative of the Mayor of Marseille, Martine Vassal were also present.

The ICID contingent was led by President Dr. Gao Zhany (China) at the kick-off meeting. Other members were Vice President Prof. Tai-Cheol Kim (Korea), Vice President Dr. Hüseyin Gundogdu (Turkey), Vice President Hon. Prof. Victor Dukhovny (Uzbekistan) and Vice President Hon. Shinsuke Ota, Chairman of Task Force for ICID input to WWF7 besides several Chairmen of National Committees of ICID.

The 7th World Water Forum is expected to put the solutions emerged from the last Forum to its use/implementation. Apart from political, thematic and regional processes, the WWF7 will introduce science and technology processes. The guiding principles for WWF7 have been prepared for leading the four working processes – thematic, regional, political, and science and technology.

BoG meeting

Prior to Kick-off meeting, the World Water Council (WWC) also held its 49th Board of Governors (BoG) meeting on 12-13 May 2013 at Seoul. As a member of Board of Governors of President Dr. Gao Zhanyi represented ICID in the BoG.

President Gao and Mr. Akif Ozkaldi, President of Turkish National Committee of ICID (TUCID) from DSI Turkey introduced the ICID’s new initiatives ‘1st World Irrigation Forum’ (1st WIF) to the august gathering. Prof. Ben Braga, President of WWC accepted President Gao’s invitation to participate in the 1st WIF, scheduled to be held on 29th September-03 October 2013 at Mardin in Turkey.

President Gao also participated in the 48th BoG meeting of WWC held during 1-2 February 2013 at in Marseille, France. During both these meetings of WWC, the development strategy of WWC was discussed vividly. Taking advantage of the occasion, President Gao highlighted the issues of water and water management for food production, food security, poverty alleviation and rural development. President Gao was later appointed as a member of the Steering Committee of Water and Food Security Project jointly supported by WWC and the Qatar National Food Security Programme (QNFSP).

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First Steering Committee Meeting (WIF-1)

The 1st Meeting of Steering Committee of WIF was held in Ankara during 2-5 February when President Dr. Gao Zhanyi, President Hon. Bart Schultz, Vice President Hüseyin GŰNDOĞDU, Secretary General Avinash Tyagi attended the meeting and also visited the venue of the Forum.

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President and Secretary General Visits FAO, IFAD and ITAL-ICID, January 2013

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD) have reiterated their keen interest in active participation in the First World Irrigation Forum in Mardin, Turkey, from 29 September-3 October 2013 at the highest level. Dr. Gao Zhanyi, President and Er. Avinash C. Tyagi, Secretary General, visited FAO and IFAD offices to hold detailed discussions with them on various technical aspects of the forthcoming First World Irrigation Forum. FAO has informed that participation of either the Director General or the Deputy Director General will be explored. IFAD has also indicated that the invitation to President IFAD to participate in the opening ceremony will meet positive consideration. IFAD is keen to bring in the perspective of smallholder farmers to WIF1. VPH Prof. Lucio Ubertini (Italy) and Vice president of Comitato Nazionale Italiano ICID (ITAL-ICID) Prof. Marco Arcieri also joined these discussions.

During their visit to ITAL-ICID headquarters, President and Secretary General were warmly welcomed by Dr. Gabriella Zanferrari, President; Prof. Marco Arcieri, Vice President; VPH Prof. Lucio Ubertini and other colleagues. It was informed that this was the first occasion that President and Secretary General of ICID have visited the ITAL-ICID headquarters housed in the Ministry of Agriculture. Secretary General recalled that Italy was one of the founder members of ICID and their contributions to ICID have been exemplary ever since. ITAL-ICID decided to place before its management the issue, of hosting ICID’s 23rd International Congress on Irrigation and Drainage in 2017, as suggested by Secretary General, ICID. 

Dr. Marco Arcieri, Vice President, ITAL-ICID informed that ITAL-ICID plans to organize a training course in Italy, mainly aiming at participants from Mediterranean countries, details of which will be worked out shortly. Secretary General suggested inviting some candidates from Africa with sponsorship for this course, if possible, providing a boost to ICID’s efforts to strengthen its activities in Africa region.

Later, President and Secretary General paid visit to Italy’s Vice Minister for Agriculture, His Excellency Prof. Francesco Braga. Prof. Braga was keen to further strengthen the existing strong relationship with ICID. President Zhanyi invited Prof. Braga to grace the first WIF in Mardin which the Minister graciously accepted. His Excellency expressed his Ministry’s desire to be a sponsor to the first WIF and supported ITAL-ICID’s proposal to organize a side event at the Forum in collaboration with other Mediterranean in ICID fold.

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ICID Sub-Forum on Sustainable Water Resources Management and Food Security during

the 5th International Yellow River Forum

From Sept. 24 to 28, 2012 the 5th International Yellow River Forum was organized by Yellow River Conservancy Commission in Zhengzhou, China. The theme of the forum was “Ensuring Water Right of the River’s Demand and Healthy River Basin Maintenance”. On Sept. 26 ICID hosted a Sub-forum on Sustainable Water Resources Management and Food Security with the highlight on optimizing water allocation for agricultural production and increasing water efficiency and productivity at various scales.

The sub-forum was Chaired by Dr. Hüseyin  GŰNDOĞDUi, Vice President of ICID. Mr. Li Guoying, Vice Minister, Ministry of Water Resources, China made an address in the sub-forum. Dr. Gao Zhanyi, President of ICID made a keynote speech on increasing water efficiency and productivity in agricultural production. Mr. Adama SANGARE，Vice President ICID made a presentation on Water and irrigation for food security in Africa.  Mr. Wang Aiguo, Director General, Dept. of Irrigation and Drainage, MWR, and Chairman, Chinese National Committee on Irrigation and Drainage made a presentation on food security and irrigation development in China. Mr. Uttam Raj Timilsina, Deputy Director General Dept. of Irrigation, Nepal made a presentation on irrigation development in Nepal. Prof. Dong Bin, Wuhan University, China, made a presentation on comprehensive technologies of high irrigation efficiency and productivity for paddy rice.

Panel Discussions were conducted with panelists from FAO, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Turkey, Uzbekistan and China. The Sub-forum highlighted the importance and experiences on irrigation development and water saving practices in Asia and Africa.

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International Advanced Workshop and Training on Irrigation and Drainage

21-26 September 2012, Beijing, China

The workshop was attended by about 20 participants from Bangladesh, Cambodia, Nepal, Mali, Turkey, Uzbekistan and China. The participants shared various water saving techniques being adopted in their countries. They also shared the participatory irrigation management practices. Secretary General Avinash Tyagi, Vice Presidents Adama Sangare and VP Huseyin Gundogdu also attended the workshop.

It is recognized that our inability to use water wisely in agriculture will endanger water security and has the potential to lead to political stability and peace. Evapotranspiration by the crops and evaporation from the field is an actual water loss within irrigation process, which is not hydrologicaly recoverable. Attempts to minimize such water losses through micro-and drip irrigation technologies through improved design and spreading micro-irrigation systems efficiency by incorporating latest research findings need to be accelerated. One of the most significant changes in institutional arrangements in recent years has been the participatory irrigation management movement and the development of water user associations.

These topics were addressed at the “International Advanced Workshop and Training on Irrigation and Drainage” in Beijing, China from 21-26 September 2012 organized by Chinese National Committee on Irrigation and Drainage, the Chinese Research and Training Centre. The workshop was also supported by Ministry of Water Resources, Chinese Irrigation and Drainage Development Centre and China Institution of Water Resources and Hydropower Research (IWHR).

The workshop was attended by about 20 participants from Bangladesh, Cambodia, Nepal, Mali, Turkey, Uzbekistan and China. The participants shared various water saving techniques being adopted in their countries. They also shared the participatory irrigation management practices. Secretary General Avinash Tyagi, Vice Presidents Adama Sangare and VP Huseyin Gundogdu also attended the workshop. The participants had the opportunity to visit the Daxing Irrigation

Experimental Station, Shunyi Water Saving Irrigation Trial Field and Dujiangvan Irrigation System, one of the most ancient irrigation systems and the UNESCO World Heritage Site has sustained over more than 2300 years. The participants also attended the 6th Yellow River Forum where a ICID had organized an Irrigation Sub-forum on 26th September.

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21st Stockholm World Water Week from 26-31 August 2012

President Dr. Gao Zhanyi participated in a number of panel discussions: “Governance for Water and Food Security” and Seminar on “Promoting Integrity and Transparency in Water and Food Security”, and Chair the Seminar on “Scaling Pathways for Multiple-Use Service, for Food Security and Health”. President Gao Zhanyi also attended FAO expert meeting on Aug. 29 for discussing the key drivers and policy relevant issues that are or will become increasingly important in terms of natural resources management for agriculture and food security, etc.

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Highlights of Adelaide Meetings and Conference 

The 7th Asian Regional/ Irrigation Australia Conference and 63rd International Executive Council (IEC) meeting of ICID was held during 24-29 June 2012 at the grand Adelaide Convention Centre. More than 500 delegates from 56 countries were gathered in Adelaide - the wine capital of Southern Australia. Parallel with the conference an impressive trade show displaying over 100 irrigation related companies, equipment suppliers, distributors, showcasing their products and services was organized. Technical tours were organized during and post conference. 

At the opening plenary session of the Conference, Mr. Tony Burke, Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities addressed the gathering through pre-recorded video. President Dr. Gao Zhanyi delivered the keynote speech on ‘Water and Irrigation for Food Security’. Mr. Hon Jay Weatherill, Premier of South Australia, Mr. Peter Toome, Chair IAL, Mr. Ian Atkinson, CEO IAL, and Mr. Thierry Facon of FAO gave speeches on the occasion. In the Conference, over 200 speakers discussed pertinent issues related to irrigation including, integrated water management, modernization, drainage, environment, agriculture, horticulture, economics, flood management.

President Dr.Gao Zhanyi reiterated that “the world needs a strong ICID, which is based on the strength of the national committees with the involvement of all irrigation and drainage professionals, especially young professionals”. Secretary General Avinash Tyagi said that the ICID at its 63rd meeting has taken certain ground-breaking decisions (see elsewhere) to engage various stakeholders 

in irrigation, drainage, water and land management working for food and water security. These efforts will go a long way in supporting green economy and the decisions taken by the world leaders at the Rio+20 meeting to achieve the “Future we want”.

The following is the gist of speech delivered by President Dr.Gao Zhanyi :

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Asian Irrigation Forum at ADB Headquarters in Manila 11-13 April 2012

Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Haruhiko Kuroda and FAO Goodwill Ambassador Carl Lewis opened the Asian Irrigation Forum at ADB Headquarters in Manila 11-13 April 2012. About 220 farmers, water experts, representatives of governments in Asia, media, civil society, donors and the private sector participated. ICID President Gao Zhanyi gave a key note presentation on irrigation responses to the challenges of volatility, vulnerability, and changes in agriculture. Professor Gao reiterated the critical roles of government, management agents, water user associations making irrigation more productive and responsive to users needs. ADB committed to continue support for irrigation investments. Download papers and presentations at: http://www.scribd.com/collections/3566991/2012-Asian-irrigation-Forum. More details: Ian W Makin at imakin@adb.org [More...]

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President Gao Zhanyi visits Central Office

ICID President Gao Zhanyi (China) paid the first ever visit to New Delhi, after becoming the President of ICID on 9 April 2012. He was accompanied by Mr. Hao Zhao, Division Director, Ministry of Water Resources, China. The ICID Professionals and staff extended a warm welcome to the guests. During his inspection of the Central Office,the President expressed concerns at the old infrastructure and the outdated ITC hardware. During the meeting with professionals that followed, issues like improving ICID visibility, broad basing of ICID, improving activities of the WGs, helping LDCs, digitization of old publications etc. were discussed. He mooted the idea of organizing ‘World Irrigation Forum’ and establishes a new irrigation prize. These proposals would be brought up before the IEC. President appreciated dedicated services of all the staff of ICID. On behalf of professionals and staff, Secretary General assured the President of the full support and dedication to the Presidents new initiatives and further pursuing the objectives of ICID.

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Cooperation between INCID and CNCID

President Gao Zhanyi and Mr. Hao Zhao, Division Director, Ministry of Water Resources, China visited Central Water Commission (CWC) and Indian National Committee of ICID (INCID), and held discussion with Mr. R.C. Jha, Chairman, CWC/INCID and Mr. Yogesh Paithankar Member Secretary, INCID on the occasion. The President proposed a closer collaboration between the INCID and CNCID for knowledge sharing as the two countries face similar challenges to achieve food security. He proposed exchange of experts in the form of study tours. Mr. Hao Zhao later attended the First ‘India Water Week – 2012’ in New Delhi.

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THAILAND (9-11 DECEMBER 2011)

Last August to October this year, Thailand has witnessed severe floods in large area. At 21st Congress and 62nd IEC meeting held at Tehran, Iran, October 2011 this problem was discussed in detail. On the invitation of Mr. Chalit Damrongsak, Director General of the Royal Irrigation Department and Vice President Chaiwat Prechawit and their colleagues, President Gao visited Thailand and had the opportunity to visit some of the flood prone areas. VP Chaiwat Prechawit also joined the visit of five flood affected areas in Thailand. The severe flood has taken 680 person’s life, and about 712,000 ha of cultivated land were affected. It is estimated that this year rice production could be reduced by 25 to 30%.

The Royal Irrigation Department and THAICID presented a detail introduction on the recent flood and its damages, and the enormous efforts which they have undertaken to minimize the losses of property and life. On behalf of ICID family, President Gao expressed his sympathy to the Government and people of Thailand through Royal Irrigation Department and THAICID for the heavy losses induced by the devastating flood.

With all these difficulties THAICID actively participated in 21st Congress and 62nd IEC meeting held at Tehran. This shows the commitment of THAICID towards ICID and its activities. President was very much pleased to know that some of our latest publications are translated in Thai language for wider dissemination.

President Gao took this opportunity to invite Mr. Chalit Damrongsak, Director General of the Royal Irrigation Department to attend our next 63rd IEC meeting and make a presentation to share their experience, knowledge, solutions and the lessons which they learnt from the flood fighting this year.

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MALI (29 NOVEMBER - 5 DECEMBER 2011)

The 3rd African Regional Conference of ICID was held in Bamako Mali from Nov. 29 to Dec. 5. The theme of this conference was Food Security and Climate Change: Improve the Contribution of Irrigation and Drainage. More than 200 participants from 25 countries attended the conference, including the representatives from the World Bank, FAO, IFPRI, IWMI and African Development Bank. Dr. Gao Zhanyi, the President of ICID and Mr. Adama Sangare, Vice President of ICID attended the conference.

Mr. Abou Sow, Minister delegate for Integrated Development Office du Niger of Mali attended the opening ceremony and made a speech with the highlight of importance to develop irrigated area in Mali to increase food production for food security and poverty alleviation in Mali. Mr. Agatham Ag Alassane, Minister of Agriculture attended and addressed the closing ceremony. Minister Agthon expressed his thanks to ICID and all participants for attending the conference and sharing the experience, knowledge and information on food security and climate change. He also gave a detailed introduction on the vision of Mali Government for development of irrigation in the country.   

The participants actively involved in the conference providing high quality presentations, questions, comments and suggestions. The topics of the sessions nearly covered all issues related to food security, like development of irrigation and drainage including policy, technical, social, economic and investment, management, environmental and climate change issues. The good news is that in the African Region actions to enhance irrigation development do take place. There are many successful examples and pilots schemes demonstrating increasing water and land use efficiency and productivity.

A special session was conducted in this conference for presenting the preparation of input for the Theme 2.2 of the 6th WWF, Contribute to Food Security by Optimal Use of Water. Group discussion was organized with the active involvement of the participants and many solutions were proposed for the African region. To continue the work, a Committee for Solutions in African is being set up with representative from ICID, FAO, the World Bank, IFPRI and African regional organizations.

Taking this opportunity President Gao invited the participants from African region to attend ICID future events and conferences to share experience, knowledge and information. Several countries in the region have shown their interests to join ICID as active members and follow up actions will be taken.

ICID President Dr. Gao Zhanyi expressed his sincere thanks to the Government of the Republic of Mali, Ministry of Agriculture, Mali National Committee of ICID, and members of the Organizing Committee of the conference, and Vice President Adama Sangare and all the professionals and volunteers for organizing a successful conference in Mali.

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