AKIPRESS.COM - On December 11-13, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in partnership with the Academy of Sciences and Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources of Uzbekistan and development partners convened a three-day international workshop on "Innovations in Marginal Water Resource for Resilient Agriculture and Food Security", the U.S. Embassy in Uzbekistan reports.

The main purpose of this workshop was to exchange best practices and technologies for better human and ecosystem health.

At the event, Ambassador Pamela Spratlen noted “Countries need to focus their efforts on increased productivity and reduced water usage by utilizing water resources wisely, efficiently, and with awareness of the environmental challenges the region faces”.

More than 50 scientists, researchers, policy makers from 15 countries gathered in Tashkent under USAID’s Partnerships for Enhanced Engagement in Research (PEER), which is a competitive grant program designed to increase cooperation and networking between U.S. scientists and local experts. Well-managed use of marginal water resources will be a positive addition to the environment which in turn will lead to improved food security, health and therefore incomes of rural communities.