2015 IWRA Ven Te Chow Memorial Award – XVth World Water Congress, Edinburgh, Scotland – Prof. Rabi H. Mohtar

(lecture: Thursday 28 May, 14:45,  EICC- Pentland Full Suite Level 3.)

The Ven Te Chow Memorial Lecture, one of the most prestigious awards of the IWRA, named after Prof. Ven Te Chow, first President of IWRA, an eminent water scientist and leading figure in water resources in the second half of the 20th Century. The Memorial Award was instituted by IWRA in his memory, and is presented at its triennial World Water Congress. The 2015 Ven Te Chow Memorial Award will be presented to Prof. Rabi H. Mohtar for his significant contributions to the global water community.

Dr. Mohtar will discuss global shifts in risks and changes associated with water, energy, and food securities. Special attention will be paid to the interconnectedness of the portfolio of these primary resources. The water – energy – food nexus builds on the integrated water resources management and will be introduced as a holistic trans- disciplinary and inclusive multi-stakeholder platform for resource allocation. The nexus platform allows for the identification of local and site specific tradeoffs and hotspots which facilitate dialogue among stakeholders. From among those hotspots, the role of soils in global water and food security, and the vital function of soil as a structured and dynamic natural organized system and green water to food and water securities will be explored. Localization of resources, using the nexus platform, will be highlighted with focus on better utilization of greenwater and improved understating of the impacts of water reuse on the soil – water ecosystem. The talk will conclude with recommendations for future action.