Cyprus is investing in efficient water resources Agriculture Minister tells FAO

The Cypriot Government is investing in the efficient management of the country's water resources, Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development, and the Environment, Petros Xenophontos, said during the 43rd Session of the FAO Conference that was held in Rome.

In his intervention during the recent general debate on the state of food and agriculture, Xenophontos said that the increasing pressure on limited water resources has reduced water availability for the sustainable development of agri-food systems, hindering efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

An official press release said the Minister emphasised that integrated water resources management is the key to addressing challenges and contributing to effective water governance. Additionally, agriculture, as the largest water user globally, is part of the solution, as ensuring fair and sustainable water distribution ensures food security, mitigation and adaptation to climate change, preservation of biodiversity and wetlands, and addressing water pollution caused by agriculture.

The Minister emphasised that Cyprus, through the National Sustainability Strategy, Action Plans, and making use of tools provided by the new Common Agricultural Policy, the European Green Deal, and its initiatives and strategies, paves the way for the effective transformation of its agri-food systems.

To achieve this goal, he added, the Government is investing in the efficient management of the country's water resources, harnessing non-conventional water sources, implementing water conservation measures, promoting education and awareness campaigns, supporting the use of modern irrigation techniques, investing in water infrastructure, and developing flood-resistant infrastructure. Additionally, it is supporting diversified agricultural systems, resilient crop varieties and agroforestry.

He called on FAO members to collaborate, embracing integrated water resources management, to ensure global food security, protect livelihoods, and safeguard the well-being of future generations.

(Source: CNA)