Launch of the International Year of Water Cooperation 2013
By
declaring 2013 the International Year of Water Cooperation, the
international community recognizes the importance of the peaceful
management and use of water resources, working together towards a common
goal, in a way that is mutually beneficial.
Official kickoff event
11 February 2013
UNESCO Headquarters and Pavillon de l’eau, Paris, FranceFollow the event live below (10:00-13:00 and 14:30-18:00).
UNESCO Headquarters and Pavillon de l’eau, Paris, FranceFollow the event live below (10:00-13:00 and 14:30-18:00).
The
International Year of Water Cooperation 2013 will be launched
officially by Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO, and Michel
Jarraud, Chair to UN-Water and Secretary-General of the World
Meteorological Organization (WMO) on 11 February 2013 with a high-level
event.
Representatives of governments, local communities,
specialized NGOs and UN organizations will join eminent specialists and
youths to discuss:
- How water cooperation can best contribute to the Global Agenda on Sustainable Development for the post-2015 era so as to effectively address the needs of all societies,
- Harnessing cooperation at all levels to address water-related challenges, including:
- Regional cooperative mechanisms
- Government action at the national level
- Action at the local level
- Cooperation at the basin level, and
- Science, capacity building and partnerships.
The
official slogan for the year will be revealed during the ceremony as
the winner of the slogan competition is announced. The slogan was
selected among 12,151 proposals sent by 5,654 people from 180 countries!
An exhibition entitled “Water at the heart of
science” will also be presented on the occasion. Prepared for the Year,
the exhibition was co-produced with the French Institut de recherche
pour le développement (IRD) and the Centre de Culture scientifique at
technique de la region Centre. Presented first at UNESCO, it will be
shown throughout 2013 in the network of French cultural establishments
around the world.
Children and Youth
Young people will play a significant part in the celebrations.
Children will take part in water-related activities
at UNESCO headquarters while youths from Japan, the Netherlands, UNESCO
Associated Schools (ASPnet) and the Paris area will hold their own
meeting at the Pavillon de l'eau
(water pavilion) managed by Eau de Paris, the institution that manages
drinking water for the city. Together they will finalize a Youth
Declaration on water cooperation, which they will present to the
participants of the high-level meeting as they join them at the
Pavillon. The Declaration will be followed by a cocktail.
The celebration will also include an exhibition and
other cultural activities organized in partnership with the Mairie de
Paris.
The United Nations International Year of Water Cooperation 2013
In
2010 the United Nations declared 2013 as the International Year of
Water Cooperation. Within UN-Water, the group of 31 UN agencies working
on the many issues related to water, UNESCO was appointed to lead the
Year in view of its multi-dimensional mandate in the sciences, culture
and education and its significant and long-standing programmes
contributing to the management of the world’s freshwater resources.
UNESCO is leading preparations in cooperation with
the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and with the
support of United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs
(UNDESA), UN-Water Decade Programme on Capacity Development (UNW-DPC)
and UN-Water Decade Programme on Advocacy and Communication (UNW-DPAC).
World Water Day which will be celebrated on 22 March will also focus on the theme of water cooperation.
Working together to provide water for all
- © IUPAC
©IUPAC
Freshwater
is the common denominator of today’s most pressing challenges, such as
health, agriculture, energy, and urbanization. But this limited, finite
resource is often poorly managed and faces severe pressure everywhere.
How can the world work more closely together to overcome these present
challenges, and ensure that access to freshwater, a human right, is
available to all? To advance this most vital cause, UN-Water has
designated UNESCO to lead United Nations International Year of Water Cooperation (IYWC) in 2013. Celebrations will kick off at UNESCO’s Paris Headquarters on 11 February.
- © NASA
Two capital cities on opposite banks of the Congo River: Brazzaville on the north side, and Kinshasa on the south side.
Freshwater
flows freely, unconfined by political boundaries. For example, the
world has 276 river basins with at least one tributary crossing an
international boundary. These transboundary basins cover an estimated
46% of the Earth’s land surface, which host about 40% of the world’s
population. Communities sharing freshwater resources may have competing
needs or claims, requiring that traditional stakeholders in freshwater
management -- namely, scientists, governments, policy makers -- join
forces with individuals or organizations outside this “water box”, such
as sociologists, ministries for women or indigenous peoples, community
activists and civil society.
Working together to provide water for all
- © IUPAC
©IUPAC
Freshwater
is the common denominator of today’s most pressing challenges, such as
health, agriculture, energy, and urbanization. But this limited, finite
resource is often poorly managed and faces severe pressure everywhere.
How can the world work more closely together to overcome these present
challenges, and ensure that access to freshwater, a human right, is
available to all? To advance this most vital cause, UN-Water has
designated UNESCO to lead United Nations International Year of Water Cooperation (IYWC) in 2013. Celebrations will kick off at UNESCO’s Paris Headquarters on 11 February.
- © NASA
Two capital cities on opposite banks of the Congo River: Brazzaville on the north side, and Kinshasa on the south side.
Freshwater
flows freely, unconfined by political boundaries. For example, the
world has 276 river basins with at least one tributary crossing an
international boundary. These transboundary basins cover an estimated
46% of the Earth’s land surface, which host about 40% of the world’s
population. Communities sharing freshwater resources may have competing
needs or claims, requiring that traditional stakeholders in freshwater
management -- namely, scientists, governments, policy makers -- join
forces with individuals or organizations outside this “water box”, such
as sociologists, ministries for women or indigenous peoples, community
activists and civil society.
What
does improved water cooperation look like? Gretchen Kalonji (UNESCO
Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences) suggests several
scenarios: "It would mean convincing
the food, water and energy sectors to work together, rather than in
silos. It will take strong institutions at both the national and
international levels to satisfy competing demands and defuse tension
when it arises, such as over proposals for shale gas extraction, mass
irrigation or dam construction.” Currently, these different
constituencies are not working together, or not anywhere closely
enough. Efforts must focus on joining them up to create a more
comprehensive, integrated approach to water management. It is a missing
key to making access to freshwater a reality for all, and it is long
overdue.
The
stakes are high today. Water security is essential to sustainable
development, and vital to building inclusive, peaceful societies. Yet
billions of people remain vulnerable to water scarcity, deteriorating
water quality and such water-related disasters as floods and droughts.
Women, children and those living in poverty suffer the heaviest
burden. As highlighted in the 2012 MDG Report (LINK), women are
disproportionately affected by water scarcity. In Sub-Saharan Africa,
71% of the water collection burden falls on women and girls; this heavy
burden is also the case in other parts of the world. If women hold
less than 6% of all ministerial positions in the environment, natural
resources & energy, how about increasing women in decision-making,
in the spirit of water cooperation?
The IYWC may be taking place over the course of 2013, but its fundamental goal is to start paving the path for a more peaceful and sustainable future. The projected world population increase from 7 billion today to 9 billion in 2050 will intensify demand for freshwater, boosting global agricultural consumption by 20% and hydroelectricity & other energy needs by 60%. Would these figures spell imminent water wars, notably in regions where water supplies are declining? Fortunately not, thanks to water cooperation! Contrary to popular belief, people are not more likely to fight over water when there is less of it. Cooperation is more frequent than conflict when it comes to water. Over the past 70 years, incidences of cooperation have outnumbered conflicts by 2 to 1. The Indus Waters Treaty signed by India and Pakistan in 1960 survived three major conflicts and remains intact today.
The IYWC is ultimately about finding common purpose around freshwater, in the diversity of our interests and points of view. By choosing cooperation, not competition, we can make freshwater a force for peace.
The IYWC may be taking place over the course of 2013, but its fundamental goal is to start paving the path for a more peaceful and sustainable future. The projected world population increase from 7 billion today to 9 billion in 2050 will intensify demand for freshwater, boosting global agricultural consumption by 20% and hydroelectricity & other energy needs by 60%. Would these figures spell imminent water wars, notably in regions where water supplies are declining? Fortunately not, thanks to water cooperation! Contrary to popular belief, people are not more likely to fight over water when there is less of it. Cooperation is more frequent than conflict when it comes to water. Over the past 70 years, incidences of cooperation have outnumbered conflicts by 2 to 1. The Indus Waters Treaty signed by India and Pakistan in 1960 survived three major conflicts and remains intact today.
The IYWC is ultimately about finding common purpose around freshwater, in the diversity of our interests and points of view. By choosing cooperation, not competition, we can make freshwater a force for peace.
UNESCO contributes to the mdg of ensuring environmental sustainability thru freshwater
- © UNESCO/Vytautas Knyva
Zuvintas lake, Lithuania
Freshwater
is a priority for UNESCO. We have contributed to the relevant
Millennium Development Goal of ensuring environmental sustainability
across what may be called the UNESCO Water Family, including:
- the flagship International Hydrological Programme;
- the UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education in the Netherlands, the world’s largest postgraduate water education facility, which has trained 15,400 water professionals from over 160 countries;
- a network of 18 water-related centres under UNESCO auspices;
- the World Water Assessment Programme hosted by UNESCO, the flagship UN-Water programme that brings together 30 UN agencies and produces the now-yearly World Water Development Reports; and
- the 29 water-related UNESCO Chairs and UNITWIN networks.
Working together to provide water for all
- © IUPAC
©IUPAC
Freshwater
is the common denominator of today’s most pressing challenges, such as
health, agriculture, energy, and urbanization. But this limited, finite
resource is often poorly managed and faces severe pressure everywhere.
How can the world work more closely together to overcome these present
challenges, and ensure that access to freshwater, a human right, is
available to all? To advance this most vital cause, UN-Water has
designated UNESCO to lead United Nations International Year of Water Cooperation (IYWC) in 2013. Celebrations will kick off at UNESCO’s Paris Headquarters on 11 February.
- © NASA
Two capital cities on opposite banks of the Congo River: Brazzaville on the north side, and Kinshasa on the south side.
Freshwater
flows freely, unconfined by political boundaries. For example, the
world has 276 river basins with at least one tributary crossing an
international boundary. These transboundary basins cover an estimated
46% of the Earth’s land surface, which host about 40% of the world’s
population. Communities sharing freshwater resources may have competing
needs or claims, requiring that traditional stakeholders in freshwater
management -- namely, scientists, governments, policy makers -- join
forces with individuals or organizations outside this “water box”, such
as sociologists, ministries for women or indigenous peoples, community
activists and civil society.
What
does improved water cooperation look like? Gretchen Kalonji (UNESCO
Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences) suggests several
scenarios: "It would mean convincing
the food, water and energy sectors to work together, rather than in
silos. It will take strong institutions at both the national and
international levels to satisfy competing demands and defuse tension
when it arises, such as over proposals for shale gas extraction, mass
irrigation or dam construction.” Currently, these different
constituencies are not working together, or not anywhere closely
enough. Efforts must focus on joining them up to create a more
comprehensive, integrated approach to water management. It is a missing
key to making access to freshwater a reality for all, and it is long
overdue.
The
stakes are high today. Water security is essential to sustainable
development, and vital to building inclusive, peaceful societies. Yet
billions of people remain vulnerable to water scarcity, deteriorating
water quality and such water-related disasters as floods and droughts.
Women, children and those living in poverty suffer the heaviest
burden. As highlighted in the 2012 MDG Report (LINK), women are
disproportionately affected by water scarcity. In Sub-Saharan Africa,
71% of the water collection burden falls on women and girls; this heavy
burden is also the case in other parts of the world. If women hold
less than 6% of all ministerial positions in the environment, natural
resources & energy, how about increasing women in decision-making,
in the spirit of water cooperation?
The IYWC may be taking place over the course of 2013, but its fundamental goal is to start paving the path for a more peaceful and sustainable future. The projected world population increase from 7 billion today to 9 billion in 2050 will intensify demand for freshwater, boosting global agricultural consumption by 20% and hydroelectricity & other energy needs by 60%. Would these figures spell imminent water wars, notably in regions where water supplies are declining? Fortunately not, thanks to water cooperation! Contrary to popular belief, people are not more likely to fight over water when there is less of it. Cooperation is more frequent than conflict when it comes to water. Over the past 70 years, incidences of cooperation have outnumbered conflicts by 2 to 1. The Indus Waters Treaty signed by India and Pakistan in 1960 survived three major conflicts and remains intact today.
The IYWC is ultimately about finding common purpose around freshwater, in the diversity of our interests and points of view. By choosing cooperation, not competition, we can make freshwater a force for peace.
The IYWC may be taking place over the course of 2013, but its fundamental goal is to start paving the path for a more peaceful and sustainable future. The projected world population increase from 7 billion today to 9 billion in 2050 will intensify demand for freshwater, boosting global agricultural consumption by 20% and hydroelectricity & other energy needs by 60%. Would these figures spell imminent water wars, notably in regions where water supplies are declining? Fortunately not, thanks to water cooperation! Contrary to popular belief, people are not more likely to fight over water when there is less of it. Cooperation is more frequent than conflict when it comes to water. Over the past 70 years, incidences of cooperation have outnumbered conflicts by 2 to 1. The Indus Waters Treaty signed by India and Pakistan in 1960 survived three major conflicts and remains intact today.
The IYWC is ultimately about finding common purpose around freshwater, in the diversity of our interests and points of view. By choosing cooperation, not competition, we can make freshwater a force for peace.
UNESCO contributes to the mdg of ensuring environmental sustainability thru freshwater
- © UNESCO/Vytautas Knyva
Zuvintas lake, Lithuania
Freshwater
is a priority for UNESCO. We have contributed to the relevant
Millennium Development Goal of ensuring environmental sustainability
across what may be called the UNESCO Water Family, including:
- the flagship International Hydrological Programme;
- the UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education in the Netherlands, the world’s largest postgraduate water education facility, which has trained 15,400 water professionals from over 160 countries;
- a network of 18 water-related centres under UNESCO auspices;
- the World Water Assessment Programme hosted by UNESCO, the flagship UN-Water programme that brings together 30 UN agencies and produces the now-yearly World Water Development Reports; and
- the 29 water-related UNESCO Chairs and UNITWIN networks.
Working together to provide water for all
- © IUPAC
©IUPAC
Freshwater
is the common denominator of today’s most pressing challenges, such as
health, agriculture, energy, and urbanization. But this limited, finite
resource is often poorly managed and faces severe pressure everywhere.
How can the world work more closely together to overcome these present
challenges, and ensure that access to freshwater, a human right, is
available to all? To advance this most vital cause, UN-Water has
designated UNESCO to lead United Nations International Year of Water Cooperation (IYWC) in 2013. Celebrations will kick off at UNESCO’s Paris Headquarters on 11 February.
- © NASA
Two capital cities on opposite banks of the Congo River: Brazzaville on the north side, and Kinshasa on the south side.
Freshwater
flows freely, unconfined by political boundaries. For example, the
world has 276 river basins with at least one tributary crossing an
international boundary. These transboundary basins cover an estimated
46% of the Earth’s land surface, which host about 40% of the world’s
population. Communities sharing freshwater resources may have competing
needs or claims, requiring that traditional stakeholders in freshwater
management -- namely, scientists, governments, policy makers -- join
forces with individuals or organizations outside this “water box”, such
as sociologists, ministries for women or indigenous peoples, community
activists and civil society.
What
does improved water cooperation look like? Gretchen Kalonji (UNESCO
Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences) suggests several
scenarios: "It would mean convincing
the food, water and energy sectors to work together, rather than in
silos. It will take strong institutions at both the national and
international levels to satisfy competing demands and defuse tension
when it arises, such as over proposals for shale gas extraction, mass
irrigation or dam construction.” Currently, these different
constituencies are not working together, or not anywhere closely
enough. Efforts must focus on joining them up to create a more
comprehensive, integrated approach to water management. It is a missing
key to making access to freshwater a reality for all, and it is long
overdue.
The
stakes are high today. Water security is essential to sustainable
development, and vital to building inclusive, peaceful societies. Yet
billions of people remain vulnerable to water scarcity, deteriorating
water quality and such water-related disasters as floods and droughts.
Women, children and those living in poverty suffer the heaviest
burden. As highlighted in the 2012 MDG Report (LINK), women are
disproportionately affected by water scarcity. In Sub-Saharan Africa,
71% of the water collection burden falls on women and girls; this heavy
burden is also the case in other parts of the world. If women hold
less than 6% of all ministerial positions in the environment, natural
resources & energy, how about increasing women in decision-making,
in the spirit of water cooperation?
The IYWC may be taking place over the course of 2013, but its fundamental goal is to start paving the path for a more peaceful and sustainable future. The projected world population increase from 7 billion today to 9 billion in 2050 will intensify demand for freshwater, boosting global agricultural consumption by 20% and hydroelectricity & other energy needs by 60%. Would these figures spell imminent water wars, notably in regions where water supplies are declining? Fortunately not, thanks to water cooperation! Contrary to popular belief, people are not more likely to fight over water when there is less of it. Cooperation is more frequent than conflict when it comes to water. Over the past 70 years, incidences of cooperation have outnumbered conflicts by 2 to 1. The Indus Waters Treaty signed by India and Pakistan in 1960 survived three major conflicts and remains intact today.
The IYWC is ultimately about finding common purpose around freshwater, in the diversity of our interests and points of view. By choosing cooperation, not competition, we can make freshwater a force for peace.
The IYWC may be taking place over the course of 2013, but its fundamental goal is to start paving the path for a more peaceful and sustainable future. The projected world population increase from 7 billion today to 9 billion in 2050 will intensify demand for freshwater, boosting global agricultural consumption by 20% and hydroelectricity & other energy needs by 60%. Would these figures spell imminent water wars, notably in regions where water supplies are declining? Fortunately not, thanks to water cooperation! Contrary to popular belief, people are not more likely to fight over water when there is less of it. Cooperation is more frequent than conflict when it comes to water. Over the past 70 years, incidences of cooperation have outnumbered conflicts by 2 to 1. The Indus Waters Treaty signed by India and Pakistan in 1960 survived three major conflicts and remains intact today.
The IYWC is ultimately about finding common purpose around freshwater, in the diversity of our interests and points of view. By choosing cooperation, not competition, we can make freshwater a force for peace.
UNESCO contributes to the mdg of ensuring environmental sustainability thru freshwater
- © UNESCO/Vytautas Knyva
Zuvintas lake, Lithuania
Freshwater
is a priority for UNESCO. We have contributed to the relevant
Millennium Development Goal of ensuring environmental sustainability
across what may be called the UNESCO Water Family, including:
- the flagship International Hydrological Programme;
- the UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education in the Netherlands, the world’s largest postgraduate water education facility, which has trained 15,400 water professionals from over 160 countries;
- a network of 18 water-related centres under UNESCO auspices;
- the World Water Assessment Programme hosted by UNESCO, the flagship UN-Water programme that brings together 30 UN agencies and produces the now-yearly World Water Development Reports; and
- the 29 water-related UNESCO Chairs and UNITWIN networks.
Working together to provide water for all
- © IUPAC
©IUPAC
Freshwater
is the common denominator of today’s most pressing challenges, such as
health, agriculture, energy, and urbanization. But this limited, finite
resource is often poorly managed and faces severe pressure everywhere.
How can the world work more closely together to overcome these present
challenges, and ensure that access to freshwater, a human right, is
available to all? To advance this most vital cause, UN-Water has
designated UNESCO to lead United Nations International Year of Water Cooperation (IYWC) in 2013. Celebrations will kick off at UNESCO’s Paris Headquarters on 11 February.
- © NASA
Two capital cities on opposite banks of the Congo River: Brazzaville on the north side, and Kinshasa on the south side.
Freshwater
flows freely, unconfined by political boundaries. For example, the
world has 276 river basins with at least one tributary crossing an
international boundary. These transboundary basins cover an estimated
46% of the Earth’s land surface, which host about 40% of the world’s
population. Communities sharing freshwater resources may have competing
needs or claims, requiring that traditional stakeholders in freshwater
management -- namely, scientists, governments, policy makers -- join
forces with individuals or organizations outside this “water box”, such
as sociologists, ministries for women or indigenous peoples, community
activists and civil society.
What
does improved water cooperation look like? Gretchen Kalonji (UNESCO
Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences) suggests several
scenarios: "It would mean convincing
the food, water and energy sectors to work together, rather than in
silos. It will take strong institutions at both the national and
international levels to satisfy competing demands and defuse tension
when it arises, such as over proposals for shale gas extraction, mass
irrigation or dam construction.” Currently, these different
constituencies are not working together, or not anywhere closely
enough. Efforts must focus on joining them up to create a more
comprehensive, integrated approach to water management. It is a missing
key to making access to freshwater a reality for all, and it is long
overdue.
The
stakes are high today. Water security is essential to sustainable
development, and vital to building inclusive, peaceful societies. Yet
billions of people remain vulnerable to water scarcity, deteriorating
water quality and such water-related disasters as floods and droughts.
Women, children and those living in poverty suffer the heaviest
burden. As highlighted in the 2012 MDG Report (LINK), women are
disproportionately affected by water scarcity. In Sub-Saharan Africa,
71% of the water collection burden falls on women and girls; this heavy
burden is also the case in other parts of the world. If women hold
less than 6% of all ministerial positions in the environment, natural
resources & energy, how about increasing women in decision-making,
in the spirit of water cooperation?
The IYWC may be taking place over the course of 2013, but its fundamental goal is to start paving the path for a more peaceful and sustainable future. The projected world population increase from 7 billion today to 9 billion in 2050 will intensify demand for freshwater, boosting global agricultural consumption by 20% and hydroelectricity & other energy needs by 60%. Would these figures spell imminent water wars, notably in regions where water supplies are declining? Fortunately not, thanks to water cooperation! Contrary to popular belief, people are not more likely to fight over water when there is less of it. Cooperation is more frequent than conflict when it comes to water. Over the past 70 years, incidences of cooperation have outnumbered conflicts by 2 to 1. The Indus Waters Treaty signed by India and Pakistan in 1960 survived three major conflicts and remains intact today.
The IYWC is ultimately about finding common purpose around freshwater, in the diversity of our interests and points of view. By choosing cooperation, not competition, we can make freshwater a force for peace.
The IYWC may be taking place over the course of 2013, but its fundamental goal is to start paving the path for a more peaceful and sustainable future. The projected world population increase from 7 billion today to 9 billion in 2050 will intensify demand for freshwater, boosting global agricultural consumption by 20% and hydroelectricity & other energy needs by 60%. Would these figures spell imminent water wars, notably in regions where water supplies are declining? Fortunately not, thanks to water cooperation! Contrary to popular belief, people are not more likely to fight over water when there is less of it. Cooperation is more frequent than conflict when it comes to water. Over the past 70 years, incidences of cooperation have outnumbered conflicts by 2 to 1. The Indus Waters Treaty signed by India and Pakistan in 1960 survived three major conflicts and remains intact today.
The IYWC is ultimately about finding common purpose around freshwater, in the diversity of our interests and points of view. By choosing cooperation, not competition, we can make freshwater a force for peace.
UNESCO contributes to the mdg of ensuring environmental sustainability thru freshwater
- © UNESCO/Vytautas Knyva
Zuvintas lake, Lithuania
Freshwater
is a priority for UNESCO. We have contributed to the relevant
Millennium Development Goal of ensuring environmental sustainability
across what may be called the UNESCO Water Family, including:
- the flagship International Hydrological Programme;
- the UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education in the Netherlands, the world’s largest postgraduate water education facility, which has trained 15,400 water professionals from over 160 countries;
- a network of 18 water-related centres under UNESCO auspices;
- the World Water Assessment Programme hosted by UNESCO, the flagship UN-Water programme that brings together 30 UN agencies and produces the now-yearly World Water Development Reports; and
- the 29 water-related UNESCO Chairs and UNITWIN networks.
Working together to provide water for all
- © IUPAC
©IUPAC
Freshwater
is the common denominator of today’s most pressing challenges, such as
health, agriculture, energy, and urbanization. But this limited, finite
resource is often poorly managed and faces severe pressure everywhere.
How can the world work more closely together to overcome these present
challenges, and ensure that access to freshwater, a human right, is
available to all? To advance this most vital cause, UN-Water has
designated UNESCO to lead United Nations International Year of Water Cooperation (IYWC) in 2013. Celebrations will kick off at UNESCO’s Paris Headquarters on 11 February.
- © NASA
Two capital cities on opposite banks of the Congo River: Brazzaville on the north side, and Kinshasa on the south side.
Freshwater
flows freely, unconfined by political boundaries. For example, the
world has 276 river basins with at least one tributary crossing an
international boundary. These transboundary basins cover an estimated
46% of the Earth’s land surface, which host about 40% of the world’s
population. Communities sharing freshwater resources may have competing
needs or claims, requiring that traditional stakeholders in freshwater
management -- namely, scientists, governments, policy makers -- join
forces with individuals or organizations outside this “water box”, such
as sociologists, ministries for women or indigenous peoples, community
activists and civil society.
What
does improved water cooperation look like? Gretchen Kalonji (UNESCO
Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences) suggests several
scenarios: "It would mean convincing
the food, water and energy sectors to work together, rather than in
silos. It will take strong institutions at both the national and
international levels to satisfy competing demands and defuse tension
when it arises, such as over proposals for shale gas extraction, mass
irrigation or dam construction.” Currently, these different
constituencies are not working together, or not anywhere closely
enough. Efforts must focus on joining them up to create a more
comprehensive, integrated approach to water management. It is a missing
key to making access to freshwater a reality for all, and it is long
overdue.
The
stakes are high today. Water security is essential to sustainable
development, and vital to building inclusive, peaceful societies. Yet
billions of people remain vulnerable to water scarcity, deteriorating
water quality and such water-related disasters as floods and droughts.
Women, children and those living in poverty suffer the heaviest
burden. As highlighted in the 2012 MDG Report (LINK), women are
disproportionately affected by water scarcity. In Sub-Saharan Africa,
71% of the water collection burden falls on women and girls; this heavy
burden is also the case in other parts of the world. If women hold
less than 6% of all ministerial positions in the environment, natural
resources & energy, how about increasing women in decision-making,
in the spirit of water cooperation?
The IYWC may be taking place over the course of 2013, but its fundamental goal is to start paving the path for a more peaceful and sustainable future. The projected world population increase from 7 billion today to 9 billion in 2050 will intensify demand for freshwater, boosting global agricultural consumption by 20% and hydroelectricity & other energy needs by 60%. Would these figures spell imminent water wars, notably in regions where water supplies are declining? Fortunately not, thanks to water cooperation! Contrary to popular belief, people are not more likely to fight over water when there is less of it. Cooperation is more frequent than conflict when it comes to water. Over the past 70 years, incidences of cooperation have outnumbered conflicts by 2 to 1. The Indus Waters Treaty signed by India and Pakistan in 1960 survived three major conflicts and remains intact today.
The IYWC is ultimately about finding common purpose around freshwater, in the diversity of our interests and points of view. By choosing cooperation, not competition, we can make freshwater a force for peace.
The IYWC may be taking place over the course of 2013, but its fundamental goal is to start paving the path for a more peaceful and sustainable future. The projected world population increase from 7 billion today to 9 billion in 2050 will intensify demand for freshwater, boosting global agricultural consumption by 20% and hydroelectricity & other energy needs by 60%. Would these figures spell imminent water wars, notably in regions where water supplies are declining? Fortunately not, thanks to water cooperation! Contrary to popular belief, people are not more likely to fight over water when there is less of it. Cooperation is more frequent than conflict when it comes to water. Over the past 70 years, incidences of cooperation have outnumbered conflicts by 2 to 1. The Indus Waters Treaty signed by India and Pakistan in 1960 survived three major conflicts and remains intact today.
The IYWC is ultimately about finding common purpose around freshwater, in the diversity of our interests and points of view. By choosing cooperation, not competition, we can make freshwater a force for peace.
UNESCO contributes to the mdg of ensuring environmental sustainability thru freshwater
- © UNESCO/Vytautas Knyva
Zuvintas lake, Lithuania
Freshwater
is a priority for UNESCO. We have contributed to the relevant
Millennium Development Goal of ensuring environmental sustainability
across what may be called the UNESCO Water Family, including:
- the flagship International Hydrological Programme;
- the UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education in the Netherlands, the world’s largest postgraduate water education facility, which has trained 15,400 water professionals from over 160 countries;
- a network of 18 water-related centres under UNESCO auspices;
- the World Water Assessment Programme hosted by UNESCO, the flagship UN-Water programme that brings together 30 UN agencies and produces the now-yearly World Water Development Reports; and
- the 29 water-related UNESCO Chairs and UNITWIN networks.
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