Dubai - Groundwater is the richest source of freshwater, which is threatened by pollution and excessive extraction, so forces should be joined using technology and innovation to save groundwater, was the main message heard at Tuesday's round-table discussion on groundwater at the Slovenian pavilion at Expo in Dubai.

The humankind must save groundwater, President Borut Pahor said in a video address at the discussion entitled Groundwater and climate change - the interplay of policy, science and technical innovation.

To be able to face the challenge, science, research, data and innovation are needed, Pahor said, urging preservation of groundwater for future generations.

Environment Minister Andrej Vizjak, who moderated the discussion, pointed to Slovenia's efforts in the field of sustainable and effective management of water sources.

He said that cooperation of all countries would be needed to preserve groundwater, including against climate change.

Slovenia is active as part of various international water agreements, such as the UNECE's water convention, the agreement on the river Sava, and within the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube.

Rok Tomšič from the Foreign Ministry said water was also key for the economy, so water sources required prudent management.

State Secretary at the Finnish Agriculture Ministry Jaana Huso-Kallio said it was important that everyone was aware that water is crucial for every day life.

International cooperation was also underscored by Loic Charpentier from Water Europe: "We have to join forces, technology and innovation to find a solution to preserve groundwater."

Vinod Tare, founding head of India's cGanga, discussed water reserves, while representatives of Slovenian companies and institutions presented best practice in water management after the round-table.

Tomaž Rodič, director of Vesolje-SI Centre of Excellence, presented a satellite that enables monitoring river flow, studying its potential and changes.

Marko Maver from the National Laboratory for Health, Environment and Food, said that reliable measurements were needed to get to solutions that only innovative technology can secure.

The high-level discussion was organised by the Slovenian environment and foreign ministries and the SPIRIT agency to mark World Water Day, which is this year dedicated to groundwater.