GROWING crops, protecting one’s health, generating energy, and manufacturing various products, like cars and textiles. What do they have in common? They all need one key ingredient: water.
Imagine the power that a single drop of water holds. It ensures survival. It holds the key to life.
Water is used in massive amounts in agriculture to grow crops and sustain livestock, in industrial processes, mining, energy, transportation, medicine and others.
This same resource is also used extensively in more products and activities, including bottled water, liquor, sodas and juices; swimming pools, golf courses and others.
On March 22, through the World Water Day, people across the world celebrated the power of water and the many benefits it brings. This day is marked every year to celebrate water and to make a difference for the members of the global population, who suffer from water-related issues.
“It’s a day to prepare for how we manage water in the future,” the United Nations said in its World Water Day web site.
In 1993 the United Nations General Assembly designated March 22 as the first World Water Day. Twenty-two years later, World Water Day is celebrated around the world, highlighting a different issue every year.
For 2015 the theme is “Water and Sustainable Development.”
“Water is at the core of sustainable development. Water resources, and the range of services they provide, underpin poverty reduction, economic growth and environmental sustainability. From food and energy security to human and environmental health, water contributes to improvements in social well-being and inclusive growth, affecting the livelihoods of billions,” according to the United Nations Interagency mechanism on all freshwater related issues, including sanitation.
In a statement, Asean Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) Executive Director Robert V. Oliva said, “As we celebrate World Water Day 2015, we are reminded of the need to protect our precious water resources—the source of life for all of us. For us, at the ACB, we see the crucial need to remind people about the critical link between water and biodiversity.”
Highlighting that water is an integral aspect of agriculture and ecosystem, Oliva said, “Food production is constrained when the availability of water is reduced, thus, exacerbating hunger and poverty. Poor water quality also has serious effects on human health and biodiversity. Clean water is essential for healthy environment.”
Conserving biodiversity to ensure water security
Saving water is not just simply turning off the tap while brushing teeth, fixing leaks, or recycling water in the household.
Governments, concerned communities and individuals need to protect water resources and biodiversity, which contributes to healthy wetland ecosystems.
Healthy forests retain both water and soil resources. When forests are plentiful, watersheds retain ample supply in water basins and prevent soil erosion that may cause siltation of water bodies.
Healthy wetlands also recharge underground aquifers, providing ample drinking water to satisfy the needs of the world’s population.
Conserving biodiversity to support healthy wetlands ensures a richer biodiversity of species. Intact and viable wetlands filter water and make it safe for drinking.
Clean lakes, rivers and estuaries ensure the survival and abundance of nursery areas of fish, encouraging higher fish production. Clean water help in plant growth and support richer marine life, which benefit humans since many freshwater and marine plants are used for a variety of purposes, ranging from handicrafts to animal fodder.
Healthy wetlands ensure the survival of various animals, especially those in danger of extinction.
“Water conservation is a global issue that needs urgent action. Conserve water at home, in school, at the office and within your community. Prevent unnecessary water use. Encourage industries to recycle water. Conserve biodiversity, protect forests and watersheds, and prevent pollution of freshwater and marine ecosystems. Support actions to protect water resources. Help efforts to prevent water scarcity and ensure a world with life-saving water,” Oliva said.
He added, “Some say that the next world war will be over water. Fighting, however, will not solve water scarcity. The key is for each one of us to contribute our share in conserving water.”
Know more about the World Water Day 2015 at https://www.unwater.org/worldwaterday/home/en/.
Angie Metin / Special to the BusinessMirror
Image credits: Emilyn Fostanes/ACB