Tehran – The Islamic Republic of Iran has officially joined the global framework on Water Scarcity in Agriculture (WASAG), according to the country’s Iran's Deputy Agriculture Minister Safdar Niazi.

 

Niazi said the membership will both enhance the country’s expertise in water and soil management and strengthen its role in specialized international forums.

 

The decision follows Niazi’s meeting with Li Lifeng, Director of FAO’s Land and Water Division, on the sidelines of the 13th Annual Plenary Assembly of the Global Soil Partnership in Rome.

 

During the talks, both sides reviewed ways to expand joint cooperation and make better use of existing capacities in the fields of water and soil.

 

According to Niazi, Lifeng praised Iran’s long-standing agricultural traditions, particularly the qanat system as a symbol of indigenous water management, and welcomed deeper engagement.

 

He also recommended formalizing Iran’s membership in WASAG and designating the ministry’s Water and Soil Department as the official governmental partner. Following the necessary procedures with Iran’s Permanent Representation to FAO, Iran’s membership became official in August 2025.

 

Since its official launch in 2016 by FAO’s Land and Water Division, WASAG has gained recognition as a collaborative platform where key players across the globe and from different sectors work together towards a common vision of a world whose food systems are secure and resilient to increasing water scarcity in a changing climate. WASAG now includes 76 member countries and international organizations.