Arab Water Forum 2024: Rawya Mansour's Zero-Waste Eco-Villages Gain Attention
The 6th Arab Water Forum, held in Abu Dhabi from September 16 to 18, 2024, brought together key figures to discuss water scarcity and sustainability. Dr. Mahmoud Abu Zeid, head of the Arab Water Academy, led the event. Rawya Mansour, a board member, delivered a keynote address, outlining her vision for zero-waste eco-villages and advocating for water scarcity prioritization.
Mansour's plan involves creating 340 zero-emission villages, backed by the African Development Bank, to promote sustainable development. Her company, RAMSCO, uses biochar to reduce irrigation water use by 30% and improve soil quality. She recommends subsidizing drip irrigation, empowering women and youth in agriculture, and prioritizing water scarcity on political agendas.
Egypt's Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Dr. Hani Sewilam, attended the forum. RAMSCO Construction & Eco-Villages and Oasis Technologies Monaco, both led by Mansour, represented Egypt's private sector. Mansour emphasized the need for collaboration between the private sector, large organizations, and innovators to tackle climate change and water scarcity.
The Arab Water Forum, under Dr. Abu Zeid's leadership, explored innovations and addressed water scarcity. Rawya Mansour's vision for eco-villages and water-saving initiatives gained attention. With Egypt's minister and private sector representatives present, the forum fostered dialogue and action towards securing water resources in the Arab World.
