FIRST WORLD IRRIGATION FORUM (WIF1)

Opening Ceremony

The First World Water Forum (WIF1) took place in September 2013 at Mardin, Turkey and was attended by over 700 participants drawn from different disciplines including young scholars, farmers, academicians, researchers, international scientific community, engineers, industry and the irrigation managers and the irrigation managers. Mardin, the region that served as the cradle of irrigated agriculture that saw the human race transform from hunters to gatherers.

The ICID’s mega event, the First World Irrigation Forum (WIF1), together with 64th International Executive Council (IEC) meeting was successfully held from 29 September to 05 October 2013 at Mardin, Turkey. WIF1 was organized and hosted by Turkish National Committee of ICID (TUCID) in cooperation with an impressive number of International Partners such as FAO, IWMI, GWP, WMO, WB to name a few. About 750 participants from 61 countries and 12 International Organisations attended the Forum. Within the context of the main theme, more than 186 papers, short communications and posters were presented and discussed under three Sub-themes: (1) Policy, Science and Society Interactions; (2) Challenges and Developments in Financing Irrigation and Drainage Sector; (3) Integrated Water Management Approaches for Sustainable Food Production. In addition to the thematic sessions there were three workshops two Roundtables: two Panel discussions: 23 Side events; and an Exhibition.

Inaugural Ceremony

The Inaugural Ceremony, at Artuklu University, commenced with an Inter Religious Multi Sound Music Show conducted by the Choir of the Mardin Trainers. The inaugural addresses were delivered by (i) Mr. Akif OZKALDI, Director General of DSI and President of TUCID; (ii) Dr. Gao Zhanyi, President, ICID; (iii) Prof. Dr. Dogan Altinbilek, Vice President, WWC; (iv) H.E. Hamit BAKIRCI, Minister of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus; (v) H.E. Muammer Guler, Turk-ish Minister of Interior; and (vi) H.E. Prof. Dr. Veysel EROGLU, Turkish Minister of Forestry and Water Affairs.

The Inaugural Ceremony of the First World Irrigation Forum (WIF-1) was held at Artuklu University, Mardin, Turkey on 29 September 2013 followed by various technical sessions and exhibition. [Video]

Prof. Dukhovny receives the 1st World Irrigation and Drainage Prize

During the inaugural ceremony of the 1st World Irrigation Forum, H.E. Prof. Dr. Veysel EROGLU, Turkish Minister of Forestry and Water Affairs presented the first World Irrigation and Drainage Prize 2013 to Prof. Victor A. Dukhovny (Uzbekistan) [More...] [Video]

• WIF1 - Summary Report
• Winners of Watsave Awards 2013
• Winners of Best Paper Award 2013
• Mardin Forum Statement
• Background Papers (Sub-Theme - Policy, Finance, IWRM)
• Visit to see more videos
• Glimpses of Mardin Events, 2013
• Highlights of the 1st World Irrigation Forum, Mardin, Turkey, 29 Sep. - 5 Oct. 2013