Pattaya —
On December 13th, 2024, Thailand hosted the 19th INWEPF Steering Meeting and Symposium at the Tree Sixty Five Phenomenal Hotel in Pattaya, fostering global collaboration on sustainable water management and rice ecosystem development.
Dr. Watchara Suiadee, the Chair of INWEPF Thailand, led the discussions, presenting outcomes from the 18th meeting in Egypt and introducing the 2024–2025 strategic and operational plans. The plans focus on enhancing ecosystem sustainability in rice fields and improving water resource management.
The morning featured three working group sessions, led by representatives from Malaysia, South Korea, and Japan. Topics included precision water management, carbon-neutral rice farming, and climate change adaptation.
Key recommendations from these discussions were shared in the afternoon, along with the adoption of future action plans and the selection of the next host country for the 20th INWEPF meeting.
The event emphasized the critical role of technology and innovation in addressing global agricultural challenges, including water scarcity and climate change. INWEPF remains committed to strengthening international networks to advance sustainable solutions for rice farming ecosystems.
