President of Water Sciences & Technology Association (WSTA) Eng. Abdulrahman Al Mahmoud highlighted the role undertaken by WSTA in countering the challenges facing water resources in the region and the Gulf water security in general.
He stressed that such a role is critical and impactful, particularly at the level of active engagement in exploring a sustainable approach to manage water in the Gulf region.
In an exclusive interview with Qatar News Agency , Eng. Abdulrahman Al Mahmoud said WSTA has been organizing periodical conferences since its inception in 1987, as well as disseminating scientific research and holding a plethora of events and scientific workshops which have dramatically raised awareness on rationalizing water consumption.
He added that WSTA was strikingly active in preparing the water strategy for GCC states, pointing out that it has organized 14 sessions of the Gulf Water Conference since 1992 which are biennial events held in one of the GCC states. He indicated that Doha is due to host the 15th session next April and will focus on reviewing the current and budding technologies utilized in a variety of water sectors, as well as raising awareness on the merits and challenges of these technologies, he said.
Al Mahmoud outlined that the 15th session in Doha will highlight the central role of investment in research and development in localizing and producing water technologies in GCC states, in addition to identifying the major impediments hampering the application of rudimentary technologies in water management sector.
The event will be dedicated to figuring out and sharing best experiences and expertise applied in GCC states and other states in the region on leveraging the technology in water section with the anticipated impacts of this technology, Al Mahmoud said, outlining that technology is poised to have a leading role in achieving efficient and sustainable water sector in GCC states, in terms of benefits, costs, systems, risks, challenges, as well as role of research and development in localizing water sector.
Al Mahmoud pointed out that such technologies have a potential contribution to attaining zero-net carbon emissions objectives, as well as adaptation to climate change in GCC states, recalling the potential focus of the 15th session of the conference on technology, because the six GCC states which have over %40 of desalinated water have embarked on keeping up with the new evolution in this field in quest of reducing the costs of water desalination.
He stressed that data overtly show that the quantity of desalinated water production in those states has dramatically increased from 2 bn cu m in 1990 to 8 bn cu m in 2017. Consequently, those countries are carrying out local research whether at the production cost or use of energy there.
During the new mission, WSTA will embark on several initiatives and scientific activities to bolster the joint Gulf efforts that are considered a priority for the region, as well as raise awareness on water in the Gulf community through a sharp focus on the research aspect and carry out studies, Al Mahmoud said.
He added that WSTA will actively operate to cement cooperation with the executive entities themselves, including ministries, authorities, and government institutions, highlighting that the first seminar was organized to figure out the problem of groundwater level rise in urban areas in GCC states held in Doha in collaboration the Public Works Authority.
Al Mahmoud hoped such cooperation with those entities would generate numerous benefits acquired by WSTA’s consultants and experts who are really the people of the region and are well-versed in its affairs. He pointed out that WSTA will offer the opportunity to capitalize on its expertise and database, including marketing for experts and cooperation with private sector in multiple areas such as bottled water and elements that guide water with its various types whether underground, surface, or treated water.
Commenting on Gulf integrated efforts and impact of water interconnection, Al Mahmoud stressed that he strongly advocates for such topic, and hoped the project would be debuted soon because it has many merits on GCC states, since every single person is not oblivious to the topic of water and electricity interconnection which is laid out among the six GCC states. However, the whole matter is under the purview of the technical committee and relevant ministerial committees, he outlined.
Regarding whether cloud seeding poses a solution for the challenge of water shortage in the region, Eng. Al Mahmoud outlined that cloud seeding requires calculations, costs and thorough studies, adding that some states have already started to resort to such type of solution although on a narrow scale.
However, he said, it is critical to observe that global experiences in this field have yet to specify a certain type as the best one in this process, because the matter is related to multiple elements such as extend of clouds carrying the invisible water vapor that can be condensed by industrial methods, as well as the duration of the existence of these clouds and the impact of winds on their movement etc.
Source: Qatar News Agency