WGEO Program at COP29

WGEO Panel Discussion

Background

Agriculture is a sector that is highly vulnerable to climate change, with impacts on food security, livelihoods, and ecosystems. Climate-smart agriculture practices can help to enhance resilience to climate change while ensuring food production and rural livelihoods. Recent reports by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)[1] highlight the importance of climate-smart agriculture in mitigating climate change and adapting to its impacts.

In Focus

Climate-smart agriculture[2] practices encompass a range of strategies that can improve agricultural productivity, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and enhance resilience to climate change.

These practices include:

• Conservation agriculture: Minimizing soil disturbance, maintaining crop cover, and diversifying rotations to improve soil health and reduce erosion.
• Integrated pest management: Using a combination of biological, cultural, and chemical controls to manage pests and reduce pesticide use.
• Water management: Implementing efficient irrigation practices, rainwater harvesting, and water conservation measures.
• Agroforestry: Integrating trees with agricultural crops to enhance biodiversity, improve soil health, and provide shade.
• Livestock management: Adopting sustainable livestock practices, such as improved grazing management and reduced methane emissions.

Questions for Panel Discussion

What are the key elements of climate-smart agriculture that can significantly improve resilience to climate change?

• How can climate-smart agriculture practices help to reduce vulnerability to extreme weather events, such as droughts and floods?
• What are the benefits of climate-smart agriculture for soil health, biodiversity, and ecosystem services?
• How can climate-smart agriculture contribute to climate mitigation by reducing greenhouse gas emissions?

How can these practices be implemented across different scales of farming operations globally?

• What are the challenges and opportunities for implementing climate-smart agriculture in smallholder farming systems?
• How can large-scale agricultural enterprises adopt climate-smart practices?
• What are the role of governments and international organizations in promoting the adoption of climate-smart agriculture?

What role do local and indigenous knowledge play in enhancing the effectiveness of these practices?

• How can traditional knowledge and practices be integrated into climate-smart agriculture?
• What are the benefits of involving local communities in the development and implementation of climate-smart agriculture strategies?
• How can indigenous knowledge be preserved and promoted in the context of climate change?

WGEO Panel Discussion

Background

Water scarcity and pollution are increasingly pressing global challenges, exacerbated by climate change and population growth. Integrated water management (IWM) offers a comprehensive approach to addressing these issues by promoting sustainable water use, protecting water resources, and improving water quality.

Recent reports by the United Nations highlight the growing water crisis and the need for innovative solutions. IWM can help to ensure that water resources are used efficiently and equitably, while also protecting ecosystems and promoting sustainable development.

In Focus

Effective IWM requires a holistic approach that considers the interconnectedness of water resources, ecosystems, and human activities. Key elements of IWM include:

• Water governance: Establishing effective water governance frameworks and institutions.
• Water demand management: Promoting efficient water use in all sectors, including agriculture, industry, and domestic use.
• Water supply management: Investing in water infrastructure, such as dams, reservoirs, and pipelines, to ensure adequate water supply.
• Water quality management: Protecting water sources from pollution and ensuring safe drinking water.
• Ecosystem-based adaptation: Using nature-based solutions to enhance water resilience and protect ecosystems.

Questions for Panel Discussion

What are the most effective integrated water management solutions that address both scarcity and quality issues?

• How can water demand management be implemented to reduce water consumption and improve efficiency?
• What are the benefits of using nature-based solutions for water management, such as wetland restoration and rainwater harvesting?
• How can water quality be improved through measures such as wastewater treatment and pollution control?

How can technology contribute to more sustainable water management practices?

• What role can remote sensing and satellite technology play in monitoring water resources and detecting pollution?
• How can smart water meters and other technologies be used to improve water efficiency and reduce water loss?
• What are the opportunities for using technology to promote water conservation and sustainable water use?

What collaborative efforts are needed to implement these solutions across political and geographical boundaries?

• How can governments, businesses, and civil society organizations work together to promote integrated water management?
• What are the challenges and opportunities for international cooperation in water management?
• How can transboundary water resources be managed sustainably?

Presentation by the Sultanate of Oman, WGEO GAGE Member

Background

As the global population approaches 10 billion by the middle of the century, the challenge of sustainably feeding this ever-growing number becomes increasingly critical. Water scarcity and the degradation of arable land further compound these challenges, demanding innovative approaches to agriculture and resource management.

The integration of indigenous knowledge with advanced meteorological data offers promising solutions that can enhance food production efficiency and water management. These integrated practices not only aim to boost agricultural yield but also strive to preserve the environment and empower local communities, including a significant focus on enhancing the role of women in sustainability efforts.

In Focus

This panel discussion brings together experts and innovators from around the world to tackle one of the most pressing issues of our time: sustainably feeding a growing global population. Our speakers, who bring diverse insights spanning various disciplines, will showcase the power of blending indigenous knowledge, advanced meteorological data, and community empowerment—including the role of women in fostering local resilience.

They will explore scalable solutions that ensure food security, safeguard water resources, and promote environmental stewardship. In doing so, the panel will set the groundwork for building a more sustainable future, highlighting the essential roles of community empowerment and the integration of women into the core of resilience strategies.

Questions for Panel Discussion

Integration of Indigenous Knowledge and Modern Techniques

• How can indigenous knowledge systems be effectively integrated with modern agricultural technologies to enhance food security?
• What are the challenges in merging these diverse knowledge systems, and how can they be overcome?
• How do these integrated approaches help in the conservation of biodiversity and the resilience of food systems against climate change?

Role of Advanced Meteorological Data in Agriculture

• How can advanced meteorological data be utilized to improve water management and agricultural planning?
• What are the latest innovations in weather forecasting that can benefit small-scale and subsistence farmers?
• How can governments and organizations ensure access to these crucial data for remote and underserved communities?

Empowerment and Inclusion in Community-Driven Solutions

• What role do women play in fostering local resilience and how can their participation be enhanced?
• How can community-driven solutions be scaled up to have a broader impact on regional food security?
• What frameworks are effective in ensuring community empowerment in decision-making processes related to food and water security?

WGEO Panel Discussion

Background

The interconnectedness of food, water, and energy systems is increasingly evident in the context of climate change. These three essential resources are interdependent, and disruptions in one can have cascading effects on the others. Sustainable development and climate resilience require a holistic approach that addresses the complex interactions between these sectors.

Recent reports by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)[1] highlight the growing challenges of food insecurity, water scarcity, and energy poverty, particularly in vulnerable regions. Addressing these challenges requires integrated solutions that consider the interconnectedness of food, water, and energy systems.

In Focus

Effective management of the food, water, and energy nexus requires a systems-based approach that considers the trade-offs and synergies between these sectors.

Key strategies include:

• Integrated resource planning: Developing comprehensive plans that address the needs for food, water, and energy in a coordinated manner.
• Sustainable agriculture: Promoting sustainable agricultural practices that conserve water, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and enhance food security.
• Renewable energy: Investing in renewable energy sources to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and improve energy security.
• Water efficiency: Implementing water-saving technologies and practices in agriculture, industry, and domestic use.
• Climate adaptation: Building resilience to climate change impacts through measures such as early warning systems, disaster preparedness, and climate-smart infrastructure.

Questions for Panel Discussion

What strategies are crucial for managing the interdependencies between food, water, and energy systems in a sustainable manner?

• How can policies and investments be aligned to promote the sustainable use of these resources?
• What are the trade-offs and synergies between food, water, and energy systems?
• How can integrated planning and decision-making be fostered to address the challenges of the nexus?

How can stakeholders ensure equitable access to these critical resources amid changing climate conditions?

• What are the social and economic implications of climate change on access to food, water, and energy?
• How can policies and programs be designed to ensure equitable distribution of these resources?
• What role can community-based approaches play in promoting equitable access and management?

What are successful case studies where integrated management has led to sustainable outcomes?

• How have countries and communities successfully addressed the challenges of the food, water, and energy nexus?
• What lessons can be learned from successful case studies?
• How can these experiences be replicated and scaled up in other regions?

Panel Discussion by the People’s Democratic Republic of Yemen, WGEO GAGE Member

Background

In the context of the worsening water security situation in Yemen, Aden is facing a severe water shortage due to heavy reliance on groundwater and increasing climate change impacts each year, compounded by the lack of integrated water resource management strategies. Additionally, coastal areas like Aden, and the Tuban Delta as the main water basin for Aden city, experience multiple challenges due to the rising demand for water, a severe shortage of groundwater, and increasing saltwater intrusion resulting from sea level rise.

With ongoing climate change, temperatures in the coastal areas of the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea are expected to rise by 3.5–4.0°C by the end of the century, alongside an increase in the number of extremely hot days (above 35°C) by mid-century. This will lead to higher evaporation rates, further reducing the availability of water for domestic, agricultural, and industrial purposes.

Furthermore, the number of rainy days is expected to decrease with prolonged drought periods, especially in the lower delta region, which includes Aden, intensifying the need for sustainable alternative water sources.

Rapid population growth in Yemen generally, and in Aden specifically (3.1 % annually), also places significant pressure on natural resources. Population increases drive demand for water and food, depleting available resources. Additionally, Aden has seen a large influx of internally displaced people due to internal conflicts, which has further strained the existing infrastructure and water resources, while agriculture consumes more than 80% of the water supply. This will threaten the livelihoods of residents in the Tuban Delta, the primary water source for Aden, as water scarcity threatens to reduce agricultural output, exacerbating the country’s food security crisis. Moreover, expanding new water networks to cover the water deficit in domestic, industrial, and agricultural sectors will become increasingly difficult and costly.

In this context, seawater desalination is a necessary solution to meet the growing water needs in the Tuban Delta in general and Aden in particular. Studies show that water demand in the Aden and lower delta regions reached approximately 136.4 million cubic meters in 2022, of which 45.5 million cubic meters were for domestic use and 91.9 million cubic meters for agriculture. However, the currently available water supply is estimated at only 53 million cubic meters, resulting in a water deficit of around 84.4 million cubic meters. This deficit is expected to worsen, reaching approximately 90 million cubic meters by 2025 and 147 million cubic meters by 2050, making the desalination project essential to bridging the growing water gap and providing a sustainable water source for residents.

In light of these challenges, the need to establish a seawater desalination plant is increasing daily to address water scarcity and prevent its impacts on the development of Yemen’s temporary capital, Aden. Aden requires a plant with a production capacity of 160,000 cubic meters per day to cover the current deficit.

Proposed Desalination Roadmap

The desalination strategy outlined for Aden aims to achieve a daily capacity of 160,000 cubic meters of fresh desalinated seawater by 2035. The implementation is structured in three phases. Phase 1 focuses on establishing a desalination plant with a capacity of 25,000 cubic meters per day for the private industry sector, while Phase 2 involves creating plants that will provide 35,000 cubic meters per day for domestic use in new cities and residential compounds in Aden. This initial phase is planned for completion between 2025 and 2030.All phases of the strategy will be operated through public-private partnerships (PPP). In Phase 3, while the plants will still operate under the PPP framework, the public sector will take on the responsibility of managing and operating the desalination plants. Additionally, in parallel to Phases 1 and 2, there will be an upgrade of the public network to enhance the distribution of desalinated water. This collaborative approach aims to improve the efficiency and reach of the desalination efforts, ensuring that the growing demands of the population in Aden are adequately met by 2035.

Objective of the Event

The main objective of the event is to present Aden’s Roadmap to the potential financial actors and receive their feedback and inputs that can help to establish and enabling environment for seawater desalination implementation in Aden Governorate. The specific objectives and outcomes to be achieved are as follows:

• Provide an overview of seawater desalination Needs in Aden
• Present the government roadmap for the seawater desalination project and the needed enabling environment for successful implementation
• Receive the inputs and feedback from the technical and financial partners on the proposed roadmap to be refined further.