BLUE AGRICULTURE. INNOVATION AND SUSTAINABILITY TOWARDS WATER EFFICIENCY

In collaboration with AICS

Marco Arcieri, Secretary-General of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID); Massimo Battaglia, coffee supply chain expert and ACT programme specialist, UNIDO; Elena Bresci, lecturer and coordinator of the Water Harvesting Lab, Università di Firenze; Francesco Cintelli, CEO of Sismoelettrica; Sandro De Luca, Vice-President of CISP; Biagio Di Terlizzi, Director, CIHEAM Bari; Rosaida Dolce, Technical Officer at WASAG, Land and Water Division, FAO; Salvatore Gentile, Project Manager at AquaCampus, Canale Emiliano Romagnolo; Gianpiero Menza, Senior Manager for Business Development & Diversification, Strategic Partnerships, Engagement and Communication Department, Alliance Bioversity; Marco Riccardo Rusconi, Director of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation; Emanuele Tavelli, CEO of Winet Srl. Moderated by Paolo Sertoli, AICS water focal point

The agricultural sector uses around 70 per cent of global water resources, with water losses reaching as high as 40–60 per cent in traditional (surface) irrigation systems. In this context, the approach of Italian Development Cooperation is guided by the principles of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), through the promotion of efficient water use to maximise crop yields and minimise water wastage, as well as through the protection of ecosystems and climate resilience. Through the presentation of best practices, techniques and innovative technologies, the event’s main objective is to promote agriculture that can make more efficient use of water resources.