H.E. the Minister of Oil signs a joint work agreement with the Arabian Gulf University in the field of preparing research studies on the impact of climate change on water resources

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H.E. the Minister of Oil signs a joint work agreement with the Arabian Gulf University in the field of preparing research studies on the impact of climate change on water resources

Under the patronage of H.E. Shaikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Oil, an agreement was signed for joint work between the National Oil and Gas Authority (NOGA) and the Arabian Gulf University in the field of preparing research studies on the impact of climate change on water resources in the Kingdom of Bahrain, building national capacities and contributing to building the national platform.

H.E. the Minister of Oil signed this memorandum on behalf of NOGA, and on the other side it was signed by H.E. Dr. Khalid bin Abdulrahman Al-Ohali, President of the Arabian Gulf University.

H.E. the Minister of Oil praised the pioneering role of the Arabian Gulf University in supporting the course of research and scientific work in the Kingdom of Bahrain through its possession of an elite group of academic cadres and research experiences characterized by creativity and innovation capacity, as well as the long march that the university has in the field of preparing research and specialized scientific studies.

H.E. affirmed that NOGA pays attention in strengthening cooperation with various local and international academic institutions on specialized topics in the oil sector, supporting scientific studies and research, and making use of its research and practical capabilities in everything that serves the objectives and strategies that enhance NOGA's role in drawing up oil investment policies. Aiming at the growth of the national economy, as well as specialized studies on issues of common global concern in the environment and climate, and to work together to find appropriate solutions to this phenomenon.

H.E. the Minister noted that the issue of climate change has become one of the vital issues related to the oil industry, due to its negative impact on the resilience of different sectors, including the water sector. As the process of preserving water and reducing the production and consumption of desalinated water contributes significantly to reducing the consumption of natural gas. H.E. referred to the importance of joint work to preserve the various resources and reduce the negative effects of this phenomenon through the implementation of a number of environmentally friendly projects, including NOGA's project with the Green Climate Fund (GCF), which NOGA implements with the United Nations Environment Program and a wide range of ministries, under the umbrella of the Water Resources Council headed by H.E. Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister.

H.E. the Minister of Oil indicated that NOGA's project consists of 7 main initiatives aimed at enhancing climate resilience for the water sector in the Kingdom of Bahrain, modeling the impacts of climate change on freshwater resources in Bahrain, comprehensive scrutiny of water management and use in Bahrain, rainwater harvesting, taking advantage of gray water, creating a climate and water platform that serves all sectors and government institutions in the Kingdom. In addition in implementing a package of water conservation initiatives, and enhancing the capabilities of the Water Resources Council and related government institutions by including the concept of integrated water resources management and climate change adaptation.

For his part, H.E. Dr. Khalid bin Abdulrahman Al-Ohali, President of the Arabian Gulf University, welcomed the signing of the agreement to prepare research studies on the impact of climate change on water resources in the Kingdom of Bahrain, and highly valued the confidence of H.E. the Minister of Oil, NOGA and the United Nations Environment Program to assign this study to the university. As the university is proud of NOGA's confidence in the university's expertise and its advisory services.

H.E. added that the Arabian Gulf University has accumulated experience, depth of knowledge, and breadth of experience that includes the field of studies assessing the impact of global climate change on vital sectors in the Arab Gulf region. As the university has exceptional consulting experiences at a global level to develop solutions and policies aimed at adapting to climate change issues and ways to confront it, which increased the credibility of the research university at the regional and international levels, and then to the existence of an integrated and distinguished study team specializing in these vital issues that concern the Arab Gulf states region such as issues of water, energy, biological diversity, health, and waste. As the university has some main contributions to the preparation of many studies on such issues at the regional level for the countries of the GCC, and participant with international organizations in the preparation of studies at the global level.

The university president affirmed that this cooperation is an embodiment of the effective partnership between the Water Resources Council and the university as a pioneering research institution in the Arab Gulf region that contributes to the decision-support process in the GCC countries, and it is one of the most important goals that the leaders of the GCC states set when they directed the establishment of the Arabian Gulf University.