Partners of the Global Framework for Action to Cope with Water Scarcity in Agriculture in a Changing Climate (the Global Framework) met in Rome, Italy, on 19-20 April.
This was the first meeting since the initiative was launched last year. A statement was issued to demonstrate commitment to address water scarcity in agriculture. As a Partner, GWP participated and was also confirmed as a member of an interim Steering Committee.
The Global Framework was established by the Food and Agriculture Organization of United Nations (FAO) and formally launched at COP22 in Marrakech, Morocco, on 16 November 2016. The aim is to catalyze international cooperation on water scarcity in agriculture in the context of climate change and growing competition for water resources.
The Rome Statement is a first step towards action on this. It addresses the urgent need to help reduce water demand, protect water quality, adapt agriculture to climate change, help conserve the natural resource base and maintain ecosystem services.
The event brought together over 100 participants. 28 of the 30 partner institutions were represented, alongside other FAO member governments, UN agencies, international financing institutions, research and academic institutions, global think tanks, networks and civil society organizations. GWP was represented by Senior Network Officer Manuel Fulchiron.
