ABU DHABI, 22 March (BelTA - WAM) - On the occasion of World Water Day, which is marked today, Alya Al Mazroui, Director of the UAE Research Programme for Rain Enhancement Science, said that the day "is an opportunity for us to reflect on the crucial importance of water security and work together towards protecting this vital resource."
In a statement released on the occasion, Al Mazroui said that water shortage today affects every continent, and that the scale of the problem is illustrated by the World Health Organisation's estimation that 844 million people already lack access to a basic drinking water service and that half the world's population could be living in water stressed areas by 2025.
"To raise awareness about what it regards as a critical challenge of the 21st century, the United Nations has focused international attention on the issue through the annual World Water Day, which aims to encourage leaders, stakeholders and innovators to address this critically urgent issue by working together to find innovative solutions.
"The Ministry of Presidential Affairs launched the UAE Research Programme for Rain Enhancement Science as a US $5 million programme overseen by the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) and designed to encourage scientists and researchers to explore new horizons in developing new rain enhancement techniques.
"Rain enhancement offers the solutions needed to increase rainfall amount in those regions most affected by droughts, making dry areas more water-secure and productive," she added.
Ms. Al Mazroui went on to say that the UAE Research Programme for Rain Enhancement Science is already making a real difference by improving the effectiveness of targeted cloud seeding operations to offer a viable, cost-effective supplement to existing water supplies.
She explained, "Since the Programme was launched, strong links have already been developed with numerous research institutions through ongoing outreach, engaging with more than 450 researchers from over 200 global institutions. At the recent 8th World Water Forum in Brasilia this month, a roadshow delegation took the opportunity to share the Programme's achievements in advancing rain enhancement research with distinguished delegates from leading international organizations committed to strengthening global water security.
