Dr. Rashid Ahmed bin Fahad, Minister of Environment and Water, has said that the pressure on the country's limited natural water reserves has intensified in recent years, largely due to economic development and population growth, adding that the provision of fresh water for the growing population is a major challenge.

In a speech during a round table discussion on integrated management of water resources, which is being held as part of the 7th World Water Forum in the city of Daegu, Gyeongsang, in South Korea, the Minister said that the total water demand in the country during 2014 amounted to about 4.2 billion cubic metres, while studies suggest it will double by 2030.

Dr. Rashid bin Fahad said that the UAE is located in a harsh and dry environment, where water resources are scarce, and that the government is seeking to meet the growing demand for water resources, which he said is not an easy task as relying on groundwater reserves is not sustainable.

The Minister added that the UAE government began to invest in the seawater desalination industry in the mid-sixties to support natural water resources. "We now have the second highest water desalination capacity in the world," he said, adding that the country's production of sweetened water reached 1.7billion cubic metres by 2014.

He went on to explain, "However, and despite this progress, the challenges we face to meet the future water requirements of economic, industrial and social development we are witnessing, is very large."

The Minister also said that the government, in 2010, developed a comprehensive strategic plan to preserve water resources, which included a detailed assessment of current water resources in the country in addition to an analysis of the key factors that affect future demand for water.

Dr. bin Fahad said that the UAE has made significant investments in the development of water technologies, and rationalisation in the agriculture sector. "For example, are working on the deployment of modern agricultural practices and the introduction of developed irrigation systems and techniques in order to develop a sustainable agricultural sector. We have also funded sewage projects and the re-use of wastewater," he said.

He added, "We seek to make the most of renewable energy utilisation and energy efficiency in potable water production and reprocessing, and we are currently making progress in response to the challenges we face," before adding, "Failure to meet those challenges would be an enormous burden on the nation and will affect its ability to strive towards sustainability."

In conclusion, Dr. bin Fahad stressed the importance of seizing opportunities to work with other countries to improve the exchange of information and the transfer of knowledge, and to work towards addressing issues related to the production of water, its quality, and maintaining water security for the good of nations and communities and making a real transition from water scarcity to water security.
Source: WAM