Water is at the heart of sustainable development, linking food production, environmental health, and energy security. As global demand for water-intensive sectors rises, the balance between these interdependent systems becomes more fragile. This theme will explore innovative approaches to managing water resources efficiently within the ambit of Water-Land-Energy Nexus. Experts will discuss strategies to enhance agricultural productivity, safeguard ecosystems, and optimize energy use while ensuring water availability under climate change. How can science, policies, technologies and collaborations drive resilience in water depending systems? The sessions under this theme will provide insights into integrated solutions that promote food and water security as well as environmental well-being in a changing world.
Theme B: Water for Food and Environment Systems
Sessions
Session B1: Sustainable Water Management for Agriculture and Ecosystems
Water management in agro-ecosystems focuses on the water cycle, including irrigation and water-efficient agriculture, water conservation and water quality, as well as on related impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem functions. The objective of this session is to discuss solutions for sustainable water management, including strategies for adaptation to climate change, while maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem functions in the context of sustainable agriculture.
Session B2: Society and Water Use
This session explores the relationship between society and water use, focusing on conservation while meeting demands. It examines trade-offs in managing river basins for agriculture, energy, and sustainability. The topics under this session include integrated management, watershed restoration, value of traditional knowledge, transboundary cooperation, and multi-sectoral water allocation. The session will also highlight the role of NGOs, local communities, and policies in sustainable water use. Key issues include water rights for small farmers, government and private sector roles, and incentives for sustainability, aiming to balance water use with social and environmental needs.
Session B3: Innovations in Water Use and Recycling for Food Systems
This session will focus on innovations and technologies in water use efficiency, treatment, and reuse. It will highlight advances in desalination and treatment for agricultural use. The session will also explore circular economy approaches to water reuse, including wastewater recycling for agriculture and industry, and nutrient recovery from wastewater for sustainable farming. Contributions may consider case studies of closed-loop water systems in food production, water-saving opportunities with controlled environment farming and other innovative approaches in managing water in the rural-urban continuum.