Today, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) celebrated a landmark moment in the global fight against water scarcity with the adoption of the Rome Declaration on Water Scarcity in Agriculture. This critical declaration addresses one of the most pressing challenges facing the world today – the growing threat of water scarcity exacerbated by the ongoing climate crisis. With impacts reaching across continents, the scarcity of water threatens not only global food security but also natural ecosystems and the livelihoods of millions, particularly in vulnerable regions that rely heavily on agriculture.
The Rome Declaration signifies a major step forward in international efforts to mitigate water stress, particularly within the agriculture and food sectors. Recognizing that water is the lifeblood of agriculture, the declaration calls for immediate action to tackle the worsening scarcity of this vital resource. It emphasizes the urgency of addressing water shortages as they pose a direct threat to food production, livelihoods, and the global fight against hunger.
In response to this growing challenge, the declaration commits to strengthening collaboration at every level—local, national, and international. Signatories are calling for greater political support, increased resources, and enhanced cooperation among governments, international organizations, the private sector, and civil society. This collective action is seen as crucial in building resilient agricultural systems capable of withstanding the pressures of climate change and growing water stress.
A key component of the Rome Declaration is the recognition of FAO’s ongoing leadership in water-related initiatives. The declaration affirms FAO’s pivotal role in coordinating global efforts through its leadership and support of the Global Framework on Water Scarcity in Agriculture (WASAG). By hosting and providing day-to-day support for WASAG, FAO continues to ensure that global efforts to address water scarcity are effectively managed and operationalized.
FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu emphasized that the adoption of the Rome Declaration is not just a commitment on paper but a call to action. He highlighted that water scarcity is increasingly becoming one of the greatest obstacles to achieving global food security and sustainable agriculture. “This declaration is a roadmap for how we can work together to mitigate the effects of water scarcity, particularly on the most vulnerable populations, who are already bearing the brunt of climate change,” he said.
The declaration’s adoption comes at a time when climate-induced water stress is affecting food production across the globe. It has already led to droughts, decreased crop yields, and food shortages in many regions, aggravating existing vulnerabilities and widening the gap between food supply and demand. By uniting global efforts, the Rome Declaration aims to reverse these trends through sustainable water management practices, innovations in agricultural production, and more efficient water usage.
As the global population grows, demand for food will rise, placing even greater pressure on already scarce water resources. The Rome Declaration recognizes that solving this crisis will require coordinated international efforts, strong political will, and a long-term commitment to sustainable agricultural practices. Through the continued leadership of FAO and collaborative efforts across sectors, the declaration offers a path forward to ensure that water scarcity does not derail progress toward ending hunger and building a more sustainable world.
This united commitment to addressing water scarcity is a significant milestone in the broader global agenda for sustainable development, with the ultimate goal of ensuring that all people have access to enough food and water to lead healthy lives, even in the face of a changing climate.
