Water is essential for the survival and functioning of all living beings, as well as for the production of food, energy, raw materials and other goods that contribute to economic and social development.
However, water faces multiple threats that compromise its availability, quality and equity. According to the UN, 71% of the earth’s surface is covered by water, but only 2.5% is freshwater and of this liquid only 0.5% is accessible for human consumption.
Hence, it is estimated that by 2025, 63% of the world’s population will be living in water-scarce areas.
Moreover, water also suffers from pollution from various sources such as domestic, industrial and agricultural wastes that affect its quality and drinkability.
Water is also subject to inequality and social exclusion, as not all people have access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation.
In the presence of this panorama that exposes the existing gaps between developed and developing countries, as well as between urban and rural areas, and between the most vulnerable and the most privileged social groups, it is recognized that these problems can generate conflicts between the different users and uses of water, both within and between other lands.
Therefore, it is necessary to generate awareness and responsibility on water use and care from childhood to adulthood, preferably through family and institutional education and the mass media.
It is essential to promote cooperation and participation in the management and protection of water resources, at local, provincial, national and international levels, respecting the principles of equity, solidarity and sustainability.
In this way, it is possible to contribute to conflict prevention and resolution, as well as peace building and development.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
