THE Inter-American Institute for Co-operation on Agriculture (IICA) and the Spanish company, Agbar Agriculture have signed a technical co-operation agreement to foster the development of joint initiatives and projects in relation to smart and sustainable water resource management in the agriculture sector of Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC).

The initiative will have an initial four-year duration and its primary objective will be to optimise water use, by improving processes, as well as to identify alternative resources to be implemented in countries in the region selected by both organisations.

The agreement will prioritise co-operation areas such as natural resource management, climate change and the bioeconomy; rural development, productivity and competitiveness; information technology and social innovation.

IICA Director-General, Manuel Otero and the Agbar Chairman, Ángel Simón signed the agreement in an official virtual ceremony, which was also attended by Alexandre Barbosa, CEO of B2 International Consulting, who was instrumental in strengthening linkages between IICA and Agbar and will be involved in the formulation of joint products.

The head of the hemispheric agricultural and rural development organisation remarked that, “The most important aspect of the agreement is what we do tomorrow and how we translate it into actions and projects that will eventually improve the standard of living of people in our region and the world. We are experiencing serious water stress problems. Now is the time to move from diagnosis to action and to translate this into strategic projects, ever mindful of the human face of the agriculture sector and the fact that it should be seen as part of the solution.”

On the other hand, Ángel Simón indicated that, “In view of current global challenges, such as climate change and water scarcity that are seriously affecting agricultural activity, Agbar is looking to partnerships and technological innovation to optimise water use efficiency and the sustainability of the sector. We believe in the agriculture of the future, aiming to accelerate the ecological transition and to improve the quality of life of people.”

Under the partnership, the two entities will exchange experiences and knowledge, offer direct consultancy services and provide technical and scientific input, among others activities, in preparing and implementing projects related to the main objective of the agreement. (IICA)