Independent Dialogue
Geographical focus:
Albania, Algeria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Egypt, France, Greece, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Malta, Montenegro, Morocco, North Macedonia, Portugal, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, Syrian Arab Republic, Tunisia, Turkey
Area of divergence
Some participants disagreed that innovation and technology is the best way to improve irrigation practices. They felt instead that we should look back to traditional forms of farming, where farmers were able to use resources efficiently without having to rely on high-tech solutions. Others believed that even traditional techniques would need modernisation to work on a large scale. There was also some divergence on the importance of certifications like “organic” or “bio”, because these agricultural practices can be more sustainable, but they are not affordable if farmers have to pay lar
... Read morege amounts to get the certification. Some participants identified industry and farmers as being most responsible for causing and having to solve the issue whereas many participants thought politicians and institutions have the biggest responsibility as policy drives consumers’ and producers’ behaviour. The participants were however unanimous in considering that all actors, including consumers, have a share of responsibility and power to change the situation. Some participants agreed that economic growth needs to still be a priority. Others think that economic priorities and national self-interest are intrinsically at odds with the protection of the environment and communities. Some policy officers think that talking about the greater good does not work in practice, and it is important to change the narrative to show to stakeholders why it is in their economic interest to manage water more efficiently. Read less
Action Track(s): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Keywords: Data & Evidence, Environment and Climate, Finance, Governance, Human rights, Innovation, Policy