Ammon News - Deputizing for His Majesty King Abdullah II, Minister of Water and Irrigation Raed Abu Saud participated in the One Planet Summit for International Water Cooperation, held in Riyadh.

The summit convened heads of state, the United Nations, and international organizations to address critical issues including climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, water scarcity, desertification, and drought, with the aim of advancing collaborative solutions for water and climate challenges.

In his speech, Abu Saud highlighted the Arab region's escalating water challenges, noting that over 82 percent of its land is at risk of degradation, with 20 percent facing severe desertification due to climate change and erratic rainfall. He warned that by 2050, three out of every four individuals in the region will face water scarcity, necessitating increased investment in joint water initiatives and innovative solutions to combat these challenges.

The minister detailed Jordan's strategic efforts to mitigate water shortages, emphasizing the implementation of major national projects such as the National Water Carrier. This initiative, designed to operate using alternative energy, aims to enhance water sustainability by improving supply efficiency and expanding wastewater treatment according to international standards. Treated water will be utilized for restricted agricultural purposes and fodder cultivation, ensuring an equivalent volume is reserved for drinking needs.

Abu Saud underscored the significance of international and regional collaboration in addressing desertification, drought, and climate change. He highlighted Jordan's precarious water situation, where per capita water availability has dropped to 61 cubic meters annually the lowest globally.

Despite these challenges, Jordan has established itself as a regional model in water and sanitation services. The country has achieved service coverage rates of 94 percent for water supply and 68 percent for sanitation, while actively working to reduce water losses by rehabilitating aging infrastructure.

The minister also stressed the pivotal role of the private sector in developing creative solutions to water challenges, such as adopting modern irrigation technologies, promoting smart agriculture, and securing funding for innovative projects. He called for enhanced cooperation in early warning systems to mitigate the effects of drought and desertification, noting Jordan's leadership in establishing a specialized unit for managing drought, climate change, and early warning systems.

Abu Saud expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia for hosting the summit, commending its role in advancing discussions on water issues. He also lauded the ongoing collaboration with international partners to bolster water conservation efforts and improve resource efficiency across the region. Petra