By Hana Namrouqa

AMMAN - Two environmental experts from the US on Wednesday called for applying rainwater harvesting techniques in Jordan and other dry countries to address the rising demand for water.

Brad Lancaster, author of the award-winning book “Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands and Beyond", and David Eisenberg, executive director of the Development Centre for Appropriate Technology said their visit to the country aims at exchanging information on the use of appropriate technology and rainwater harvesting to ensure the sustainability of natural resources and the protection of the environment.

"We are keen on sharing strategies on appropriate use of technology and capturing rainwater and storing grey water to reduce water consumption," Lancaster told The Jordan Times yesterday.

The American embassy is hosting the experts in celebration of Earth Day 2009, marked annually across the world on April 22.

"Water scarcity affects many countries, including parts of the United States. Low-cost water collection methods such as water harvesting have been practised for centuries," the experts said.

Lancaster and Eisenberg agree that more investment in water-related infrastructure and research is needed to achieve world food security and poverty reduction objectives.

During their visit to Jordan, the two environmental experts are scheduled to meet with government officials and civil society professionals.

They are also scheduled to deliver presentations on “water harvesting” and “green buildings" at El Hassan Science City, and the Jordan University of Science and Technology.

According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, as the environmental impact of buildings becomes more apparent, a new field called “green building” is gaining momentum in America.

Green buildings are designed with the environment in mind, using recycled materials and natural resources such as sunlight, wind and rainwater to minimise a building’s effect on the environment and its energy consumption, according to a statement issued by the US embassy.

Earth Day, which started on April 22, 1970 as a day of national environmental recognition in the US, has evolved into a worldwide campaign to protect the environment.