Cairo:Andreas Gregoriou, the Permanent Secretary at the Directorate General for Agriculture and Rural Development of the Ministry of Agriculture, addressed the pressing challenges of water scarcity and recurring droughts faced by Cyprus at the MED-RISE High-Level Conference in Cairo on October 25 and 26.

According to Cyprus News Agency, Gregoriou detailed several measures to tackle these challenges, including desalination, the reuse of treated wastewater, improving irrigation efficiency, and reducing water losses in distribution networks. He underscored the importance of attracting investment and leveraging European and international funding to support water-related projects.

Gregoriou also emphasized the significance of cooperation among Mediterranean countries and joint commitments to concrete projects. He highlighted the role of international initiatives in fostering investment in the water sector.

The MED-RISE conference was part of the 9th Cairo Water Week, which runs from October 25 to 29, focusing on water security, sustainable water management, and regional cooperation. Discussions centered on enhancing collaboration among countries, public authorities, and international organizations to advance sustainable water management projects. Special attention was given to the interconnectedness of water, energy, agriculture, and environmental protection, along with securing funding for long-term impactful projects.