The Syrian General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research, in partnership with the Arab Center for the Studies of Arid Zones and Dry Lands (ACSAD), held a workshop on rainwater harvesting at the Dama Rose Hotel in Damascus, bringing together experts, researchers and representatives from Arab and international organizations, as well as agricultural unions. The event comes as Syria seeks practical solutions to water scarcity and agricultural recovery, with officials framing rainwater harvesting as a critical tool for long-term sustainability.  Agriculture Minister Amjad Badr said the workshop carries particular importance as the country works to revive the agricultural sector, where reliable water access remains essential for stability and growth. He said maximizing every drop of rainfall has become increasingly urgent, making rainwater harvesting one of the most effective options available to support agricultural production.Badr said the workshop examined a range of harvesting techniques tailored to different land types, crop varieties and regional conditions across Syria. He added that the Ministry of Agriculture is working with ACSAD and Syrian specialists to move from theory to field implementation through practical projects in suitable areas.  The goal is to create future water reserves that can help narrow Syria’s existing water resource gap while improving yields per unit of land. Officials said those gains could also support agricultural expansion in regions that continue to face severe water shortages.  Nasser al-Obaid, director general of ACSAD, said the workshop highlighted successful rainwater harvesting experiences from several Arab countries, covering both crop and fodder production. He said these case studies demonstrate how coordinated projects involving experts, technicians and international organizations can strengthen water reserves in Syria and across the wider Arab region.  Obaid also pointed to the RICARD project as a proven model for improving irrigation management and efficiency. He said ACSAD stands ready to support the workshop’s recommendations by launching applied research projects focused on surface water management.  Osama al-Abdullah, head of the General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research, said rainwater harvesting techniques rank among the smart agricultural practices needed to address climate change. He said the methods can improve plant growth and productivity while reducing soil erosion, making them especially valuable in climate-vulnerable areas.  A practical training component will follow the workshop, with participants and local farmers receiving direct instruction on applying the recommendations in the field. Basil Kamaluddin, deputy director general of the General Authority for Water Resources, described the initiative as strategically important for strengthening water security through additional reservoirs and dams.  He said several related projects are already underway in multiple governorates, particularly in desert and mountainous regions. Together, officials said, these measures represent an important step toward food security and agricultural sustainability as Syria adapts to increasingly difficult climate conditions. (ICE BEIRUT)

Fonte notizia: levant24.com