JEDDAH: Dr. Adnan Bin Khalil Basha, Secretary General of the International Islamic Relief Organization – Saudi Arabia (IIROSA), has lauded the objectives of the International Day to Combat Drought and Desertification (June 17). In his message on the occasion, Dr. Basha urged all countries of the world to use state-of-the-art-technology and modern knowledge to undertake necessary precautions to combat desertification and protect the soil particularly in the least developed countries from erosion. He also called for improving and rationalizing the use of natural resources to ensure their sustainability and asked for integrated measures that would ensure an ideal use of land and contribute to the restoration of the forest cover. Dr. Basha called for further augmenting cooperation and coordination among all concerned parties at all local, regional and international levels to stand united against drought and desertification and also to enlighten local residents about its serious implications so as to contribute to the efforts aimed at curbing its adverse effects. The official said that IIROSA has contributed, according to its ability and within its limited resources, to combating the menace of drought and desertification so as to contain its spread. He said that IIROSA has adopted a well-studied plan aimed at digging surface and artesian wells, canals, tanks and basins to collect rainwater to be used for drinking and irrigation purposes specially in poor countries. Dr. Basha said that IIROSA has so far dug 6,227 surface and 272 artesian wells in 36 countries benefiting more than two million people. He explained that these wells were dug in 21 African and 15 Asian countries at a cost of about SR41 million within the framework of the organization's efforts to provide potable and irrigation water to the poor and needy people everywhere and also to curb the adverse effects of drought. During the past five years alone, he said, IIROSA dug, equipped and rehabilitated 2,795 artesian and surface wells benefiting 6,25,770 people in 22 countries in Africa and Asia. “The organization is intent on digging more wells and canals in a number of developing countries which are threatened by drought and desertification,” he added.
