Alarm over lack of attention for sustainable development of vulnerable delta's
The second edition of the World Forum on Delta & Coastal development was a great success and featured:
| | 60 top expert speakers from around the world | | | 27 exhibiting companies |
| 6 interesting keynotes |
| 19 cases and hosted presentations |
| 2 panel discussions |
| 1 young talent award and |
| a sparkling evening programme... |
The three day forum was a meeting of minds between the planners, engineers, contractors, financial professionals and government policy makers who deal with the challenges of complex risks and opportunities in deltas and coasts.
Global alarm
At the end of Aquaterra, all conference delegates agreed that the large river deltas of the world are under ever growing constrain of urbanisation and agriculture as they are the worlds key economic powerhouses and food baskets. Global climate warming with its sea level rise, as well as increasing storm water problems, add to the vulnerability of these vital regions. However, there is alarming little attention from policy makers to safeguard a sustainable future of these areas.
Aquaterra Statement
At the end of the conference the experts drew up a draft statement, expressing their concern over the lack of political and governmental notion for the vulnerability of deltas. The conference showed new smart solutions but the experts noticed the scarce notion world wide from government bodies and politicians. This lack of attention results in inefficient spatial planning, unnecessary loss of nature, drought, problems with fresh water supply for drinking water and irrigation purposes, and increasing flood risks. The Statement will brought into the 5th World Water Forum in Istanbul next month.
For the entire conference programme, click here
Transcripts can be downloaded here
The Aquaterra Statement can be downloaded here
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