UN Water Symposium on Sustainability and Climate Change Opens in Oman

Salalah, Oman, hosts the International United Nations Symposium on Water Resources Sustainability, commencing Sunday under the theme “Water and Climate Change.” The two-day event convenes specialists and experts from Oman and abroad to deliberate on critical water issues.

Organized by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources in partnership with Dhofar Municipality and Nama Dhofar Services, and in cooperation with several national and international bodies, the symposium aims to foster knowledge sharing. Oman will present its strategies for managing and sustaining water resources, with a particular focus on the impacts of a changing climate on both surface and groundwater.

Discussions will cover a range of vital topics, including managing risks from floods, drought, and salinity. Participants will explore expanding water sources through seawater desalination and treated-water reuse, alongside improving water-use efficiency in agriculture. Protecting groundwater reserves and preserving traditional irrigation systems like Oman's 'aflaj' are also key agenda items. The integration of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, remote sensing, and hydrological modeling in water management will be highlighted.

The symposium is anticipated to serve as a crucial platform for sharing expertise and exploring innovative solutions to bolster water security and climate resilience. The insights gained are expected to benefit not only Oman but also contribute to broader regional and international efforts in water resource management.