The Center for Urban Water Conservation, a joint research facility managed by UNLV College of Sciences and UNR Extension, hosted a group of international visitors who were invited to the United States under the auspices of the Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). The IVLP is the U.S. Department’s premier professional exchange program. Launched in 1940, the IVLP is a professional exchange program that seeks to build mutual understanding between the U.S. and other nations through carefully designed short-term visits to the U.S. for current and emerging foreign leaders.

Countries represented on the tour were Algeria, Brazil, Malawi, Mexico, Morocco, Nepal, Spain, and Tunisia. The objectives of the project that pertain to the center are to examine integrated drought management, explore innovative models and tools to improve management of water and irrigation infrastructure, discuss strategies to protect critical urban, agricultural and environmental sectors such as improving conservation measures and to share best practices in engaging water users, in planning for and responding to the often severe economic, environmental and social impacts of drought conditions. Dr. Dale Devitt, Director for the Center, led the tour and answered questions from the group. UNR Staff Research Associate, Logan Love, and UNLV Greenhouse & Field Operations Manager, Marilin Lopez-Bermudez, assisted with the tour.

Thanks to UNR Manager, Louise Ruskamp, and the World Affairs Council Las Vegas for coordinating this.