A high level mission of FAO experts arrived to Egypt on Monday, and is due to meet with high level officials from different ministries throughout the week.

Headed by Mr. Pasquale Steduto, FAO Deputy Regional Representative and water productivity specialist, the mission will meet with ministers in charge of the 1.5 million acres development projects, look into the master plans for these projects and identify potential collaboration areas.

The multidisciplinary mission comprises experts in the fields of fishery, aquaculture, groundwater management, irrigation, on-farm water management, agricultural economy and renewable energy.

FAO Assistant Director General and Regional Representative for the Near East and North Africa Mr. Abdessalam Ould Ahmed said: “this mission aims at renewing FAO’s commitment to Egypt, and is the practical interpretation of high level discussions between FAO Director General and the Egyptian leadership.”

“We are looking forward to strengthening our longstanding cooperation  with Egypt  in sustainable management of water resources, renewable energy and the usage of clean technology in agriculture as well sustainable management of fisheries” he added.

FAO collaboration with Egypt has historically span all the FAO mandate, from support to the agriculture development strategies, to control of transboundary animal and pest diseases, to the introduction of new technologies and good agriculture practices to the conservation and sustainable management of land and water.

Ongoing FAO projects include support to preparedness and control of H5N1, reduction of food losses and wastes, improving nutrition status of vulnerable communities, introduction of solar energy in Irrigation, strengthening of the agriculture cooperative systems and improving water accounting and monitoring through remotes sensing.