World Water Council Invited to Meknes International Agriculture Fair to Highlight Water-Agriculture Links and Announce New Center on Non-Conventional Water Resources.

“Water for Humans and Water for Nature” — one of the core principles of the World Water Council — also inherently means Water for Food. Ensuring water access is not only about upholding a human right, but also about adapting agricultural practices to the increasing challenges posed by water scarcity and climate stress.

These convictions were at the heart of the Council’s participation in the Salon International de l’Agriculture au Maroc (SIAM), held in Meknes from April 21 to 27, 2024. The World Water Council was honored to be invited as a special guest by the Government of Morocco, delivering an opening address that reaffirmed the critical link between water and agriculture.

During his keynote speech, Loïc Fauchon, President of the World Water Council, emphasized that fertile land cannot exist without water — but importantly, water also needs those who cultivate the land. “Water needs farmers, breeders, peasants, and rural dwellers,” he reminded the audience, highlighting the human dimension of water stewardship.

At a time when many regions face too much, too little, or too polluted water — often simultaneously — President Fauchon stressed the urgency of managing our resources wisely and equitably. SIAM provided a valuable platform to advocate for long-term solutions to manage droughts, floods, and overall water stress, including strategic investments in non-conventional water resources.

Morocco's leadership in this domain was commended, particularly its advancements in desalination, infrastructure for water reuse, and inter-basin water transfers, such as the Sebou and Bouregreg project that secures water access for over 12 million people in the Rabat region. By coupling such innovations with renewable energy, Morocco has effectively mitigated severe water shortages and avoided a potentially devastating water crisis.

Yet, the path forward remains challenging. Drought persists, and further innovation and collaboration are required.

In this spirit, the World Water Council and the Kingdom of Morocco proudly announced the creation of a World Center for the Promotion of Non-Conventional Water Resources, a joint initiative aimed at advancing alternative water solutions powered by renewable energy. Given Morocco’s pioneering role in this field, it was a natural partnership to pursue.

SIAM 2025 was not only an opportunity to strengthen international cooperation but also to reaffirm the World Water Council’s enduring message: water, when well-managed, is not just a resource — it is a tool for peace, development, and sustainability. 

Read the full speech in French : https://www.worldwatercouncil.org/fr/discours-la-conference-douverture-du-siam-17-avril-2025-meknes 

From the press : https://www.laverite.ma/siam-2025-un-centre-mondial-au-maroc-pour-les-eaux-et-les-energies/