Doha: The Gulf Water Science and Technology Association (WSTA) has underscored the critical need for water conservation and the adoption of digital and emerging technologies in the water sector.
These advancements, the association emphasised, hold immense potential to enhance water management, boost efficiency, and strengthen resilience across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
Marking World Water Day, observed annually on March 22, WSTA Chairman Eng. Abdulrahman Al Mahmoud stressed that Gulf nations, among the driest regions in the world, must implement stringent measures to optimise water use. Given the vital role of water in sustainable development, public health, and environmental preservation, he called for urgent action to ensure its responsible consumption.
Al Mahmoud highlighted the escalating challenges posed by water scarcity and pollution, urging enhanced cooperation at both local and regional levels to secure sustainable access to clean and safe water. He also emphasized the need to intensify awareness campaigns that promote responsible water consumption and conservation efforts.
Discussing the region’s water supply, Al Mahmoud explained that Gulf countries face significant water resource limitations and rely heavily on desalination as their primary source of freshwater. This, he noted, necessitates substantial investments in advanced desalination technologies while addressing associated environmental concerns, including high energy consumption and potential impacts on marine ecosystems. He further pointed out that rapid population growth, urban expansion, and rising water demand in industrial and agricultural sectors are compounding pressures on the region’s already scarce water resources. Climate change, he warned, is exacerbating these challenges, making it imperative for GCC nations to adopt sustainable policies that enhance water management and foster innovative solutions for water sustainability.
Al Mahmoud called for strengthening efforts to develop water reuse systems, improve irrigation techniques, and enhance water efficiency across various sectors. He also stressed the importance of raising public awareness on water conservation strategies and investing in infrastructure to meet future demands.
He noted that World Water Day serves as a reminder of the urgent need for collective Gulf efforts to safeguard this vital resource, ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come. On this occasion, the association reiterated the importance of fostering a water-conscious culture, particularly as climate change continues to intensify global water challenges.
Al Mahmoud also advocated for expanding water resources through technical and hydrological research, exploring new water sources, and optimizing water consumption. He emphasized the role of community engagement in reducing water wastage, monitoring water conditions, and implementing necessary measures to protect water resources from pollution and depletion.
WSTA commended the ongoing collaboration with key stakeholders in the water sector, including the General Secretariat of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf. This partnership, he noted, reflects a shared commitment to achieving sustainable development goals at the regional level.
