STOCKHOLM, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- Scientists urged radical action be taken to improve the global water management as the World Water Week opened here on Monday.
A new report from the Sri Lanka-based International Water Management Institute (IWMI), drawing on contributions from more than 700 experts, said more efficient use of the world's water resources is needed to reduce poverty and environmental damage.
According to the report, one person in three around the world is enduring some form of water scarcity.
One of the priorities is to improve water management in agriculture in developing countries, particularly rain-fed farms on Africa's savannas, according to the five-year study.
Major suggestions include building more water storage and better irrigation systems, and developing drought-resistant crops.
"The last 50 years of water management practices are no model for the future when it comes to dealing with water scarcity," said Frank Rijsberman, head of the IWMI.
"We need radical change in the institutions and organizations responsible for managing our earth's water supplies and a vastly different way of thinking about water management."
The report was presented at the annual water week organized in the Swedish capital by the Stockholm International Water Institute.
More than 1,500 experts from some 140 countries and United Nations agencies are present at the weekly event. Enditem
