New innovative approaches in the effective management of water resources
More than 150 students and academic staff from 5 universities across Uzbekistan participated in events in the frame of World Water Day celebrations held in Tashkent Institute of Irrigation and Agricultural Mechanization Engineers. These events included a photo exhibition, students led discussions and debates, video competition, comedy battles and exhibition of innovative water technologies.
International World Water Day is held annually on 22 March. The theme for World Water Day 2018 is ‘Nature for Water’ – exploring nature-based solutions to the water challenges we face in the 21st century. Damaged ecosystems affect the quantity and quality of water available for human consumption. Today, 2.1 billion people live without safe drinking water at home; affecting their health, education and livelihoods.
Uzbekistan, having the largest population and the most extensive irrigated area in the region, is completely dependent on the availability of fresh water resources of rivers and lakes for irrigation and drinking needs. From time immemorial, water has been and remains the main natural resource for the social and economic well-being of the population and the vital activity of the most important ecosystems.
More than 15 demonstrative projects by students included innovative ideas on effective and efficient management of water resources and water saving technologies. 17 student teams from different regions competed each other by presenting socially important videos on sustainable and rational use of water resources in Uzbekistan.
The events were organized by the Ministry of Water Resources of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Tashkent Institute of Irrigation and Agricultural Mechanization Engineers and the United Nations Development Programme in the frame of the joint project "Technical capacity building" of the EU Programme "Sustainable Management of Water Resources in Rural Areas in Uzbekistan".
Sustainable Development Goal 6 commits the world to ensuring that everyone has access to safe water by 2030, and includes targets on protecting the natural environment and reducing pollution.