On November 6, from 10 am to 1 pm (Rome time), an important event was held on "Access to water for sustainable agriculture". This meeting, promoted by the UISG in collaboration with Caritas Internationalis and the German Embassy to the Holy See, dealt with crucial issues such as water scarcity and the challenges related to sustainable agriculture, with particular attention to issues related to extractivism and climate change.

The moderation was entrusted to Musamba Mubanga, Senior Advocacy Officer of Caritas Internationalis, who invited communities to come together to protect natural resources, which are fundamental for agriculture and the survival of vulnerable populations, with a strong call for integrated action at global and local levels.

At the opening, a touching testimony was shared by Sr. Roxanne Schares, SSND, Associate Executive Secretary of UISG, who recounted the critical situation of Lake Chad, reduced by 90% in the last 60 years due to climate change, population growth and unplanned agricultural practices. Her speech emphasized the urgency of addressing the water crisis as one of the most serious challenges, calling for common action to ensure access to water and promote water justice, a fundamental right for all. Sr. Roxanne concluded with a reflective prayer on the importance of water as a gift and shared resource. 

Minister Achim Schkade of the German Embassy expressly thanked the organizers for raising the issue of the water crisis. He reiterated that water is a central resource for food security and resilience to climate change. In addition, he emphasized the urgency of global water governance, recalling that, if poorly managed, it can generate conflicts, but it can also act as a bridge for international cooperation.

In his speech, Rev. Br. Uchechukwu Obodoechina, National Director of Caritas Nigeria, spoke about the fundamental role of women in sustainable agriculture in Nigeria. Despite cultural and social difficulties, he highlighted how women, particularly through the support of women religious, have promoted agricultural practices that contribute to food security and community resilience. Rev. Br. gave examples of successful projects, which are making significant changes in the most remote rural areas.

UISG's "Sowing Hope for the Planet" project, presented by Sr. Maamalifar Poreku, MSOLA, showcased the initiatives put in place by consecrated women to address the climate crisis and promote sustainable agriculture.

Projects such as that of the Sisters of the Holy Spirit in Zambia and the Sisters of the Precious Blood in South Africa are examples of how women religious, even in difficult contexts, are able to promote agricultural practices that improve water management and environmental protection, for the benefit of vulnerable communities.

Challenges related to water management in agriculture were the focus of a presentation in which innovative solutions were proposed, including regenerative agriculture. Florencia Ribeiro, scientific collaborator of The Farm of Francesco, explained how conservation agriculture techniques, such as direct planting and crop rotation, can improve soil health and reduce water consumption, helping to create a more sustainable and climate-resilient model of agriculture.

In conclusion, the moderator thanked the participants, stressing the importance of collective actions to ensure a sustainable future, and drew attention to the ongoing COP29 meeting in Baku (Azerbaijan) which will address crucial issues such as climate finance and social justice. He invited everyone to continue working together, committing to protecting water, an essential resource for life and for the sustainability of our planet.