July 04,2022 (ENA) Minister of Water and Energy, Habtamu Itefa called on water experts to protect the water sovereignty of Ethiopia and make the country available abroad.
The
minister made the remark at a two-day international conference on
Water, Food and Energy Security that kicked off today in Addis Ababa
under the theme: “The Role of Science and Communities in Post War
Reconstruction.”
In
his keynote address, Minister of Water and Energy, Habtamu Itefa said
that as water development hugely requires experts and rigorous research,
adding: “We need to give a chance to our professionals to influence the
policy in Ethiopia.”
He
called on all Ethiopian water experts both inside the country and
abroad to intensify efforts to defend the water security of the
country.
The
government give focus on addressing the water, energy and food
scarcity following a high population burden and growing urbanization,
the minister said.
However,
this effort requires enormous experts’ contribution, he said adding
the fact that “the country is pressurized not to utilize its water
resources.”
“We
are not only demanding but also our hands are open for your engagement.
….. Such kind of solidarity is very important from our water experts.
Let’s come together and work hard irrespective of any political ideology
because our water is our backbone. That is the reason why we have
mobilized our scientists.”
He
particularly underlined that Ethiopia is recently facing the negative
impacts of climate change and conflict that have been resulted in
internal displacement and migration.
In
this regard, water development is at the heart of Ethiopia’s policy to
avert the protracted challenges of the nation by meeting demands of
water, energy and food.
“That
will have a clear understanding of developing our water and energy to
minimize conflict, to overcome climate change and create resilient
communities. Most importantly, this development will enable the
community to stay in their village,” he said.
Professor
Assefa M. Melesse of Florida International University said that in
Ethiopia and other developing countries, water is at the center of major
national policies including energy, agriculture, environment and
others.
Therefore,
he said, experts have to contribute their share that would help
Ethiopia to invest in its cross-boundary, surface and groundwater
resources.
Assefa,
who is also the conference chair said meeting the demands of water,
energy and food for a growing global population is a world-wide
challenge that is further exacerbated by the uncertainty of climate
change impact on water resources, land and water degradation, droughts,
poor water governance and land management practices.
“In
recent years, we have seen communities in conflict zones to further
struggle to meet their water, food and energy demands. Globally, many
communities are struggling to meet fundamental water needs for
survival.”
This
conference entitled “The Role of Science and Communities in Post War
Reconstruction.” will create a platform for international and national
experts to highlight and share local and global experiences on natural
resource management, water management, irrigation, flood control,
drought management, energy and food production.”