ICBA to help Noga boost capacity in water management

The International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) and the National Oil and Gas Authority (NOGA) of Bahrain have joined forces to enhance institutional capacities in integrated water resources management in Bahrain.

The agreement was signed by Dr Tarifa Alzaabi, acting director-general of ICBA, and Nasser Sultan Al Suwaidi, CEO of NOGA, in the presence of various partners and stakeholders.

Under the agreement, ICBA will provide technical support for ongoing activities to strengthen the Water Resources Council (WRC). Chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister of Bahrain, the WRC is a Cabinet-level inter-ministerial organ of the government responsible for coordinating water policy formulation and implementation. The activities under the agreement will broaden the WRC’s functions and enhance its role in climate risk management and wastewater recycling, treatment and reuse.

“Improving water accountability, water-use efficiency and water conservation are necessary conditions for achieving water security. A key entry point is applying the principles of integrated water resources management to holistically balance competing demands for water. This forms the basis for sustainable utilization of water resources for both current and future needs,” said Alzaabi.

“We are delighted to sign this agreement with NOGA to contribute to the Kingdom of Bahrain’s ongoing efforts to develop a climate-resilient water sector. The particular component on capacity development in integrated water resources management plays to our strengths as an organisation.”