During World Water Day (22 March), FAO highlighted the opportunity that treated wastewater represents for agriculture, improved food security, and nutrition. Treated and reused wastewater can be a cost-effective and sustainable solution to water scarcity.
“We need to use water in agriculture in a more efficient, productive, equitable and environmentally friendly way where quality is not compromised,” FAO’s Deputy-Director General, Maria Helena Semedo, said at a World Water Day ceremony at the UN agency’s Rome headquarters. “We should maximise the potential of wastewater as a valuable and sustainable resource.”
In his remarks, President
of Fiji, Jioji Konousi Konrote, said: “There is an urgent need for greater investment and research into the management of wastewater to reduce the life-threatening impacts that wastewater pollution has on our environment. With enough effort, there is potential to turn wastewater into a valuable resource.”
“The challenges in getting this done vary by country, but many challenges are shared and we need close cooperation between nations to push action on this issue.”
