STAFF REPORT FSD: The world population has increased 15 per cent more than available land and natural resources per person while Pakistans population has increased three times and is deteriorating the environment and causing new challenges of food and water security amid climate changes.
Speakers said this at an international seminar on Integrated Flood Management was arranged by Water Management Research Centre in the city.
UAF Vice Chancellor Dr. Iqrar Ahmad, who chaired the seminar, said that 43 per cent population of world was living in urban areas whereas the urbanization in Asia is also increasing. “We have to take measures to provide water facilities for the people. Masses should be educated about the rational use of water. The country is just above the water scarcity limit of 1,000 cubic meters per capita and the next few decades can raise the alarm of further sharp decline if steps are not taken,” he said.
UNESCO Asia and Pacific Regional Science Bureau Deputy Director Dr. Shahbaz Khan stressed a need for putting water on top priority. It is prerequisite for developing and implementing the trans-boundary groundwater mechanism.
He said that the water security was one of the major issues for the world. “The glaciers are melting because of the climate changes. The temperature across the globe is going up, resulting it reduction in the glaciers and causing the floods.”
Dr. Tadashige Yoshida from Japan and Dr. Kazauki Yoshida from Paris said that IWRM promotes the coordinated development and management of water, land and related resources in order to maximize economic and social welfare in an equitable manner.