Other type of commitment (e.g. a “pact”, a “charter”, …)

Recent food price volatility exposed vulnerabilities embedded in the food supply-demand imbalance around the world, while population growth, rising food demand resulted from economic development and increasing instability of food production associated with climate change are concerned. The key to address these situations and strengthen food security lies in the increase of stable food production through effective use of limited water resources.

Irrigation facilities have been heavily damaged in Asian region by natural disaster such as flood disaster, typhoon and massive earthquake even in 2011 year.

There need to be established the food production system in line with regional condition such as climate change in order to sustain stable food production in future.

Amid concerns that biological diversity is being significantly reduced, attainment of green economy through harmonized agriculture and agricultural water utilization with nature/environment is essential to ensure sustainable development.

The paddy systems have provided not only food but also a broad range of benefits in the social, cultural and environmental aspects of the region.

INWEPF will enhance the strong relationship between our network and work on the following activities to contribute to the further progress of paddy agriculture.

INWEPF will enhance the strong relationship between our network and work on the following activities to contribute to the further progress of paddy agriculture.

 In order to strengthen food security and address the negative impacts of disasters due to climate change such as droughts and floods, it is necessary to expand capacities of agricultural irrigation and drainage facilities and enlarge irrigated areas through increase of agricultural investment. In addition, it is also necessary to increase agricultural water productivities through water management improvement, extension of water-saving agriculture and old facilities’ renovation in order to make use of limited water resources more efficient.

We will endeavor to increase public awareness about the value of paddy fields in terms of food security and the necessity of assistance for irrigation facilities’ construction/renovation and management.

Paddy fields serve as artificial wetland which has multi-functionality such as flood control, sediment control, ground-water recharge and ecosystem preservation and contributes to the welfare of society at large. We will make effort to promote recognition of these features and multi-functionality of paddy fields through related activities.

In addition, we have developed a report compiling best practices and knowledge about efficient water resources utilization, environment-friendly agriculture and rural development. The report includes policy and cases how to balance between expansion of productivity and environmental protection.

We will work on keeping balance of relevant two elements through extending and sharing these outcomes.

Moreover, in many member countries, Participatory Irrigation Management (PIM) systems are adopted under the role allocation with governments. As there are many differences in PIM systems depending on each country’s situation, in this time we have developed the PIM guideline which compiled the similarity & the uniqueness and case studies of PIM in member countries. We will enhance and extend and promote PIM system with reference to this guideline.

additional information:

INWEPF is committed to see out the monetary assessment on multifunctionality of paddy fields in paddy growing countries. It is the aim of this group to promote sustainable agricultural where economic and ecosystem are being given fair share of consideration. We are promoting our member countries to embark on similar assessment to kick start the campaign of improving awareness of multi-functionality in paddy fields and promoting sustainable paddy farming in member countries.

 Moreover,INWEPF will disseminate “Guideline for PIM ” in order to promote the sustainable development of paddy cultivation by limited water. And in parallel with dissemination, INWEPF will implement South to South cooperation by utilizing this guideline and INWEPF’s human resources. As there are many differences in PIM systems depending on each country’s situation, in this time we have developed the PIM guideline which compiled the similarity & the uniqueness and case studies of PIM in member countries. In parallel with dissemination of this guideline, INWEPF will implement actual practice by utilizing this guideline and INWEPF’s human resources.

Who will benefit most from your commitment?

Especially farmers, researchers, officials and agricultural water users concerning with paddy field in Asia monsoon region.

INWEPF are presently promoting its member countries to carry out such study at national level to unveil and quantify more of paddy fields multi-functionalities , environmental services. Next, the determined values would be used to raise awareness of the importance of paddy fields in environmental aspect. This will hopefully promote more serious attention to sustainable paddy planting.

And INWEPF has developed the PIM guideline which compiled the similarity & uniqueness and case studies of PIM in member countries. In parallel with dissemination of this guideline of PIM, INWEPF will implement actual practice by utilizing this guideline and INWEPF’s human resources.

INWPEPF

Japan