4 September 2013: In a book released at the World Water Week 2013, the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) Program on Water, Land and Ecosystems underscores the need to strengthen ecosystem services to support farming, fishing and aquaculture.

The book, titled ‘Managing Water and Agroecosystems for Food Security,’ argues that degraded ecosystems are less able to sustain water flows, citing evidence of erosion and salinization due to agricultural expansion, loss of tree cover and compacted soil. It examines the role of water in ecosystem health and how managing water in wetlands, drylands and other ecosystems can improve agricultural harvests.

The book further discusses the differing water management challenges between agricultural economies in Africa, the transitional economies of Asia and industrial economies of South America. The Research Program on Water, Land and Ecosystems is managed by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI).

World Water Week is taking place from 1-6 September 2013, in Stockholm, Sweden. [IISD RS Sources] [Publication: Managing Water and Agroecosystems for Food Security]