Johannesburg, Nov 5 (IANS) More than 200 scientists, policy makers and jurists from over 25 countries are attending a conference here to find ways to bridge the gap between technology and policy implementation in water management and conservation, South African news agency BuaNews reported Monday.
The Hydrology for Environment Life and Policy (HELP) Southern Symposium, organised by the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry, started Sunday and will end Friday.
Conference delegates are discussing access to reliable, safe and affordable water, considered key to poverty alleviation efforts. Declining groundwater supplies, loss of water rights and access, pollution, flooding and drought that could well worsen poverty in many areas are also being discussed.
The participants will discuss environment, economy, social and cultural impacts and measures to connect them through science and policy at a global level.
They will also debate the role of science in promoting good governance and conflict prevention in shared waters.
The Unesco-sponsored meeting brings together representatives from all corners of the globe including countries from Africa, Europe, North America, South America, the Caribbean, Asia and the Pacific involved with the HELP initiative.