The global spread of COVID19 is the crisis experienced directly by some and indirectly by all of us, and hence calls for greater cooperation across the borders to turn the tide. Howsoever devastating COVID19 is, our resolve to fight it together and come back stronger is the need of the hour. ICID hopes that the members of national committees, their families and friends, personnel, and other people associated with them are all safe. We are also wishing the same for our international partners, direct members and other stakeholders.............................................................. for the complete mail, kindly refer to the mail sent dated 7th April 2020. 

Kindly find the president's message in this video. 
 

ICID Watsave Awards and Recognition of World Heritage Irrigation Structures (WHIS)
WatSave Awards
For details, please visit: https://www.icid.org/awards_ws.html
WHIS Recognition
For details regarding nomination and criterion for the recognition, please visit: http://www.icid.org/awards_icid.html
From this year onwards, ONLY ONLINE NOMINATION FORM SUBMISSIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED at  https://icidevents.org/awards

The deadline for receipt of the entries for WatSave awards and WHIS from the National Committees along with the completed ‘Nomination Form’ and related details to the ICID Central Office, New Delhi (India) is 30th June 2020.

For queries, please contact Dr. Sahdev Singh, Director (Knowledge Management) at icid@icid.org

ICID's UPCOMING EVENTS 
 The 24th ICID Congress and the 72nd IEC Meeting

The 24th ICID Congress has been rescheduled to 6-12 July 2021 in Sydney, Australia, on the recommendation of Irrigation Australia Ltd., & Irrigation Australia's Committee on Irrigation and Drainage (IACID) because of COVID-19. The 72nd IEC will be held with the Sydney Congress in July 2021 instead of 71st IEC. For more information, please contact: Mr. Bryan Ward, Chief Executive Officer, Irrigation's Australia Limited (IAL) (Incorporating IACID); Email: bryan.ward@irrigation.org.au, info@irrigation.org.au; Website: https://www.icid2020.com.au/
The 71st IEC Meeting and the 5th ARC

The 71st IEC may be held along with the 5th African Regional Conference (ARC) and the Young Professional's Training Program (YP-TP) in 2020. Dates of 5th ARC and 71st IEC to be decided in consultation with the Moroccan National Committee (ANAFIDE), once COVID-19 situation is under control. Dates will be announced about three months in advance of the event.
The 10th International Micro Irrigation Conference (10MIC)

10th International Micro Irrigation Conference (10MIC) in Agadir, Morocco, will be a standalone event in 2021. Dates to be announced later

Morocco Maintains Stable Agriculture, Fisheries Exports Despite COVID-19
17 April 2020
Rabat – The export operations of Moroccan agricultural and fisheries products continue to run normally, despite the COVID-19 crisis, a press release from Morocco’s Ministry of Agriculture stated on April 17. The supply of the national market is also regular and follows strict safety and hygiene measures in the packaging and processing units, the statement continued.
https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2020/04/299904/morocco-maintains-stable-agriculture-fisheries-exports-despite-covid-19/
 

How the pandemic could change agriculture
15 April 2020
As the COVID-19 pandemic forces countries to close their borders, their agricultural sectors are confronting major challenges. Even in countries that are unlikely to face food insecurity – such as those in Europe and North America – farms are facing severe labor shortages, owing to new barriers that keep low-cost workers out. And the impact of the disruption on the supply of workers is likely to spur permanent shifts within the sector after the pandemic ends.
https://www.ejinsight.com/eji/article/id/2434936/20200415-How-the-pandemic-could-change-agriculture
 

How Can Sustainable Agriculture Increase Climate Resilience?
13 April 2020
In the last few decades, a great deal has been written on the use of sustainable agriculture to improve the resilience of ecosystem services to climate change. However, no tangible and systematic evidence exists on how this agriculture would participate in alleviating impacts on vulnerable rural communities.
https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/12/8/3119

 

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CLIMATE CHANGE 







Climate change crisis continues to be a concern
20 April 2020
Though our attention is rightfully turned to combating the horrible novel coronavirus pandemic, of which we’re currently in the midst, addressing climate change is still very much a concern and not disappearing.
https://www.stltoday.com/opinion/mailbag/letter-climate-change-crisis-continues-to-be-a-concern/article_d9d00774-61bf-54b0-bfde-906e7133b6f8.html
 

Earth Day goes Virtual for 50th Anniversary
17 April 2020
Earth Day 2020 — taking place on Wednesday, April 22 — marks the 50th anniversary of the annual event aimed at celebrating and lending support to environmental protection efforts around the world. The theme for this year’s festivities is “climate action,” though the world faces two crises as it approaches the momentous holiday due to the coronavirus pandemic. With people all over the world confined to their homes, Earth Day festivities have moved online for the first time.
https://datebook.sfchronicle.com/guide/earth-day-goes-virtual-for-50th-anniversary-heres-how-to-celebrate
 

To Effectively Combat Climate Change, We Need Environmental Justice
14 April 2020
It is known that climate change is rapidly changing American neighborhoods and the built environment. America’s most vulnerable populations, historically and systematically under-resourced communities of color, are more intensely affected by the environmental effects of climate change.
https://www.openlands.org/2020/04/14/combating-climate-change-needs-environmental-justice/

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  To 

DROUGHTS 







West in ‘mega-drought’
18 April 2020
Despite recent rains, the American West is in the midst of what scientists call one of the biggest “mega-droughts” of the past 1,200 years, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.
https://www.tsln.com/news/west-in-midst-of-mega-drought/
 

Thailand Proposes Joint Study with China, Neighbors on Mekong River Drought
17 April 2020
Thailand on Friday called for a joint study with China and neighboring countries to determine what caused a devastating drought in the Lower Mekong Basin last year, after a U.S.-funded report indicated that Chinese dams had restricted the flow of water downstream.
https://www.benarnews.org/english/news/thai/Mekong-River-04172020162514.html
 

The Rainfall Cycle
12 April 2020
2019 was above-average in the northern and central counties for rainfall, but the southern counties ended the year 3.9 inches below the long-term average. March was the driest March in 106 years. The dry season normally ends in late May or early June, with the return of summer rainstorms. The current forecast is not entirely clear.
https://www.chronicleonline.com/opinion/columnists/the-rainfall-cycle/article_170f6acc-80e5-11ea-8d2a-5fa2a4f17aeb.html


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 FLOODS






Flooding displace 10,000 families, at least 25 killed in DR Congo
19 April 2020
The River Congo burst its banks, forcing water into several villages in Maniema province, including Kindu. More than 10,000 people have been displaced in separate floods in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the authorities said Saturday.
https://www.dailysabah.com/world/africa/flooding-displace-10000-families-at-least-25-killed-in-dr-congo
 

Towards health systems resilience to extreme weather events : managing health needs during floods in Cambodia
17 April 2020
Extreme weather events like floods are expected to become more common as climate change continues, putting health at risk. Knowledge on what health needs are expected after such events is needed for health systems to be able to provide health services.
https://openarchive.ki.se/xmlui/handle/10616/47053

 

Summer Floods in Australia
13 April 2020
Weeks of rainfall pounded Queensland in January and February 2019, causing destructive flooding in the region.
https://visibleearth.nasa.gov/images/144545/summer-floods-in-australia/144550l

 

FOOD SECURITY 







Food shortage looms in T&T
19 April 2020
(Trinidad Guardian) A food crisis is coming in T&T unless the government begins food security planning, says agriculture economist Omardath Maharaj.
https://www.stabroeknews.com/2020/04/19/news/regional/trinidad/economist-food-shortage-looms-in-tt/
 

Collective farming experiment in Siem Reap’s Banteay Srey to ensure food security
17 April 2020
Banteay Srey, a district of Siem Reap province, is initiating collective rice farming to ensure food security, especially for the most marginalised, amid COVID-19 pandemic.
https://www.khmertimeskh.com/50714246/collective-farming-experiment-in-siem-reaps-banteay-srey-to-ensure-food-security/
 

Groundwater for food security
16 April 2020
Nepal is likely to generate surplus energy within the next 2–5 years. This surplus can be used to pump ground water to irrigate land where diesel pumps or a mix of solar and grid energy options are currently used
https://myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com/news/groundwater-for-food-security/

 

IRRIGATION





Irrigation Plebiscite Regulation
18 April 2020
The Irrigation Plebiscite Regulation, under the Irrigation Districts Act, describes the public notice and plebiscite ballot requirements for commercial activities, water licenses, and expansion limits. The Regulation also outlines the eligibility within districts for a plebiscite vote relating to commercial activity, including the duties of irrigators and the district officer.
https://www.qp.alberta.ca/570.cfm?frm_isbn=9780779766864&search_by=link
 

Canal safety in the Treasure Valley
16 April 2020
In early April, the Nampa and Meridian Irrigation District began filling up their canal system. That means it is time to remind everyone that irrigation canals can be dangerous.
https://www.kivitv.com/news/canal-safety-in-the-treasure-valley
 

Why Compost Is Cheapest Irrigation System
16 April 2020
Back in the early 1970s, scientists had already realized that adding compost to soils improved soil physical properties. They were measuring soil bulk density, water infiltration rate and water holding capacity. While much has been done since then, just about all of it is confirming or adding to what has been known.
https://www.biocycle.net/2020/04/14/connections-compost-cheapest-irrigation-system/

 

WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT 






Tucson's admirable water conservation efforts
19 April 2020
About a year ago, part of the Santa Cruz River had flowing water for the first time in around 80 years. The effects of returning water to a system like the Santa Cruz can greatly benefit riparian wildlife, plants and communities near the water.
https://www.wildcat.arizona.edu/article/2020/04/o-tucson-water
 

World Bank Initiative Explores Innovative Use and Reuse of Wastewater
16 April 2020
The World Bank has reported on findings from an initiative on innovative use and reuse of wastewater. The report calls for increased action to reclaim and utilize wastewater, underscoring the potential public health and environmental benefits of smarter wastewater management.
http://sdg.iisd.org/news/world-bank-initiative-explores-innovative-use-and-reuse-of-wastewater/
 

Sustainable Water Governance Is Critical for Achieving Peace in Horn of Africa
15 April 2020
As the global climate changes, climate-related security risks are making the existing political, social, and economic challenges even more complicated. The 230 million people who live in the Horn of Africa are highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change such as droughts and floods.
https://www.indepthnews.net/index.php/opinion/3461-sustainable-water-governance-is-critical-for-achieving-peace-in-horn-of-africa

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6th IWA International Symposium on Water, Wastewater and Environment in Ancient Civilizations: Traditions and Cultures 8-10 September 2020
The 6th IWA International Symposium which will be Co-organized by the Bogazici University, Istanbul, Turkey and the Hellenic Open University, Patra, Greece. It will take place at the Bogazici University (8 & 9 September) and in the Conference Hall of the Theological School of Halki in the island of Heybeliada, Istanbul, Turkey (10 September).
https://iwa-network.org/events/iwa-regional-symposium-on-water-wastewater-and-environment-traditions-and-cultures/

MinWat 2020 3rd International Multidisciplinary Conference on Mineral Waters: Genesis, Exploitation, Protection, and Valorisation. Postponed, owing to the international health situation concerning the epidemy of COVID-19, from May 2020, to 11-15 October 2020. For more details, please visit: https://iah.org/events/minwat-2020; Email: segratario@iahitaly.it
 

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World Water Development Report 2020 – Water and Climate Change
The World Water Development Report is the UN-Water flagship report on water. This yearly report, published by UNESCO/UN-Water, aims at informing the water and climate community about the challenges, opportunities and potential responses to climate change through water. FAO contributed to the report with expertise on agriculture and food security.

 

{ IRRIGATION AND DRAINAGE - The Journal of ICID }

Articles available via complimentary online access @http://wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/ird

ICID e-Bulletin is a weekly compilation of news items on ICID-related issues in the domain of Agriculture, Climate Change, Droughts, Floods, Food Security, Irrigation and Water Resources Management that might be of interest to the ICID fraternity. The information contained in the BULLETIN does not purport to be exhaustive and is taken ''as it is'' from external sources and is freely available on the internet. No evaluation on the part of the ICID Central Office is being made in terms of the authenticity of the information that it may contain. ICID Central Office makes no guarantee, either express or implied, as to the accuracy of the information published. Your valuable feedback on the usefulness of the bulletin is solicit