The ICID working group on drainage and Alterra-ILRI are organising the 9th International Drainage Workshop (IDW9) to be held in 2003. We want to convey to the international community the significance of the role of drainage in Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) in Agriculture. Our aim is also to create an awareness among non-drainage experts of the role of (controlled) drainage in the crop production chain, for which innovative designs, layouts and management tools are necessary. Drainage plays an essential role in reducing and managing waterlogging and salinity, thereby avoiding the destruction of the productive potential of the land resource. Controlling drainage and consequently controlling water quality is of paramount importance for health, environment and crop production.
Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) is a process that promotes the co-ordinated development and management of water, land and related resources, to maximise economic and social welfare in an equitable manner without compromising the sustainability of vital ecosystems. Drainage is a vital link in water management to secure adequate food production for the anticipated growth in world population.
This workshop endeavours to stress the importance of drainage to the general public, politicians, planners and designers, and to the organisations that formulate agricultural and IWRM policies. Hence the conclusions of the discussions and presentations during this workshop need to be widely disseminated. Presentations will be kept brief, as the main objective is discussion of the four main topics given below. The keynote speakers will be selected according to their ability to contribute to both development and promotion of drainage within the framework of IWRM, and to inspire the participants to new intellectual heights and practical actions.