Virtual water plays a crucial role in Arab food security, as countries import water indirectly through food products.
According to the Third State of Water Report in Arab Countries, prepared by the Centre for Environment and Development for the Arab Region and Europe (CEDARE), the total imported virtual water reached 288 billion cubic meters in 2015, highlighting the importance of balancing local production and imports.
At the same time, Arab countries exported approximately 33.4 billion cubic meters of virtual water through high-value agricultural products, presenting investment opportunities in smart agriculture and water-saving technologies.
Achieving Balance in Virtual Water Management
CEDARE’s report emphasizes the need for comprehensive strategies that consider the economic value of each cubic meter of water to ensure resource sustainability and support agricultural development.
Key recommendations include:
Enhancing water use efficiency in agriculture
Investing in modern agricultural technologies
Integrating virtual water concepts into water and agricultural policies
Developing trade strategies that align with sustainable water consumption
Source: Third State of the Water Report for the Arab Region – CEDARE
CEDARE – Water Sector: water.cedare.int
Full Report: https://cedare.org/ftp_files/water/3rd-Arab-SOW-Report-E.pdf
