Launching the GeoSpatial Platform “Marwat – Libya”

On Thursday, March 28, 2024, the GeoSpatial Platform “Marwat – Libya” was launched in the presence and participation of Mr. Ahmed Lemloum, Director General of the Center representing the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock , and a number of important figures. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) was represented at the event by Mr. Abdulrahman Maki, Land and Water Officer at the Sub-Regional Office for North Africa, Mr. Faisal Shennini, International Coordinator of the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Water Consumption Reduction in Agriculture Project (Marwat). The event was also attended by Mr. Ricardo, representing the Italian Embassy in Libya, Mr. Fahti Ali Abubakar, Director of International Cooperation Office at the Ministry of Water Resources, Dr. Akram Al-Kasheh, Director General of the Libyan Center for Remote Sensing and Space Science, Dr. Bashir Nweir, National Project Advisor for Marwat Project, Mr. Suleiman Aboud, National Coordinator for the project, Mr. Idris El Mahdi, Local Coordinator for the project in the Ghadames region, in addition to representatives from relevant authorities, organizations, centers, universities, and non-governmental organizations.

The platform’s headquarters were inaugurated at the Ministry of Water Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock , and the Libyan Center for Remote Sensing and Space Science. During the celebration, a partnership and cooperation charter was signed between the three relevant departments, outlining the coordination and cooperation mechanism to ensure the sustainability of the platform.

At the beginning of the program, Ms. Theria Jumaa delivered an opening speech on behalf of Mr. Mohamed Faraj Qanidi, Deputy Minister of Water Resources in charge of managing the ministry. This was followed by a speech from Mr. Ahmed Lemloum on behalf of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Livestock . The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations also delivered a speech welcoming the launch of the Marwat platform in Libya and emphasizing its importance in enhancing water resource sustainability and improving water management in agriculture.

The event focused on the objectives and activities of the Marwat platform, including monitoring and evaluating water consumption in agriculture, developing water-efficient strategies, enhancing the capacity of stakeholders in the agricultural sector to deal with water challenges, and providing data and information related to water and agriculture.

The Marwat platform is one of the important initiatives that seeks to promote environmental and agricultural sustainability in Libya, providing effective solutions and strategies for the water challenges facing the country.