Amsterdam International Water Week | Saline water and food systems session

Saline Water and Food Systems

Introduction

Many areas in the world are experiencing high levels of soil salinity and brackish water conditions along coastal zones, for different reasons. Dealing with salinisation therefore does not consist of a one-size-fits-all strategy. Local contexts must be considered since different levels of salinity will lead to different response strategies. Attention should be paid to both mitigation and adaptation. Integrated solutions ranging from adaptation, combing and innovation such as adapting to changes in salt-fresh water systems, applying combinations of farming systems, innovation in crops and animal farming, and high-tech solutions. A background paper describes the main issues and presents some illustrative cases.

Objectives

Presenting a general overview of the trends in Saline Water & Food Systems and the need for an integrated approach. Sharing Dutch knowledge and expertise in international perspective by means of global inspiring cases from private sector, knowledge institutes and NGOs on technology, innovation, research, and advisory services.

Programme

• Welcome: Catharien Terwisscha van Scheltinga (Wageningen Environmental Research)

• Key note: Challenges and Opportunities in Saline Water & Food Systems -Integrated and Collaborative Approach.
  • Kate Negacz (Vice-Chair of the FAO International Network of Salt Affected Soils (INSAS); Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam - Institute for
    Environmental Studies)

• Case 1: To be confirmed, (Wageningen UR)

• Case 2: Crop Cultivation under Saline Conditions -challenges and opportunities.
  • Arjen de Vos (The Salt Doctors)

• Questions and moderated discussion

• Closing

Contact persons: Frans Verberne (+31-6-21555022) on behalf of the Netherlands Food Partnership, or Martijn van Staveren (+31-6-48615414) on behalf of Netherlands Water Partnership.

Download the Background Note