Italy-South Africa: water conservation agreement in Johannesburg

(AGI) - Johannesburg, Oct 18 - The Italian Ministry of Environment and Protection of Land and Sea today signed an agreement with the South African Ministry of Water and Environmental Affairs at the South Africa-Italy Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, organized by The European-House Ambrosetti. The agreement is to promote cooperation between Italy and South Africa on water management and governance, as well as skills and research development. It will also focus on joint projects and initiatives which would create jobs and contribute to unemployment. South Africa's Minister of Water and Sanitation Nomvula Mokonyane signed the agreement on behalf of South Africa. "The agreement is an opportunity for the two countries to share best practices and knowledge and to contribute to solving the realities of climate change," Mokonyane said. She said food security and the promotion of alternative solutions in housing and the green economy are also important parts of this agreement. "Our water research commission will make this agreement a legal, living document which both parties need to pay attention to. Italy's Deputy Minister of Environment and Protection of Land and Sea Barbara Degani signed the agreement on behalf of the Italian republic. Degani said this agreement is an opportunity for exchange of expertise and know-how in the area of water and that the Italian government is looking forward to this partnership. (AGI) .