• Charles Sturt researchers launch ‘Sustainable Irrigation’ research issue at global forum in Denpasar this week
• The issue, with authors from around the globe, discusses how irrigation can be better-designed to help sustain the world’s water, food, and energy
• World Irrigation Forum will be attended by irrigation departments from 150 countries, including Australia

Researchers and students from Charles Sturt University (Charles Sturt) presented the findings of their latest research into sustainable irrigation to delegates from 150 countries at the World Irrigation Forum (WIF) in Denpasar this week.

The third instalment of the world forum will see a range of experts from across the globe come together to seek solutions to sustaining the world’s depleting natural agricultural and fresh water resources.

Charles Sturt researchers presented a number of their findings published in a special issue in the CSIRO’s Marine and Freshwater Research journal last week, including how irrigation can be better designed to help meet global sustainable development goals.

The special issue features 10 research papers co-authored by Charles Sturt staff, students and adjuncts, along with national and global experts.

One of the authors featured in the special issue and presenter at the forum, Dr Lee Baumgartner (pictured left) in the Charles Sturt Institute for Land, Water and Society (ILWS), said it was exciting to be able to take the key messages of the ILWS’ research to irrigation departments from 150 countries.

“This forum is very important because the water–food–energy nexus is central to the sustainable development of our planet,” Dr Baumgartner said.

“The research front explores the concept that irrigation and inland capture fisheries must advance collaboratively if the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals are to meet their intended goals of no poverty and zero hunger.”

Dr John Conallin (pictured right) from the ILWS, who is also an author featured in the special issue and an expert on integrated water resources management, pointed out planning for more integrated multi-objective irrigation projects needs to be on the global agenda at the forum.

“Due to the rising global population, rapid urbanisation, changing diets and economic growth, demand globally for water, food and energy is increasing,” Dr Conallin said.

“This is especially true here in Australia, as we grapple with a crippling drought.

“In response to the growing pressure on natural resources, many countries are expanding irrigation infrastructure to produce food, and building dams to secure water and generate power.

“In some instances this can create pressure for other food resources, such as fish, so I am glad our research will draw delegates’ attention to the necessities of protecting both irrigation and inland capture fisheries for sustainability.”

Charles Sturt researchers presented their research from the special issue in the Marine and Freshwater Research journal on Tuesday 3 September at a special session on sustainable irrigation.

The WIF is on from Sunday 1 to Saturday 7 September at the Bali International Convention Centre, Kuta Selatan, Indonesia.