History of international community for conservation of water
Fresh water is available only in small quantity and there is dire need for its conservation.
Water is a basic necessity. Like all natural resources water is also scarce and countries around world are now turning toward responsible use of water.
In this regard, Mian Saqib Nisar, the Chief Justice of Honorable Supreme Court of Pakistan, is leading the charge while the government seems to be following his lead.
Let’s have a look at the history of international community for conservation of water.
Mar de Plata Action Plan 1977:
If we look at History of water conservation, it started in 1977 with Mar de Plata Action Plan. It was first water conference held by United Nations in Argentina’s city of Mar del Plata from March 14tth to 25th, 1977. It addressed issues regarding water and aimed to promote more efficient use of water which is on earth.
International Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation Decade 1981:
From 1981 to 1990 was declared as decade of International Drinking Water Decade at Water Conference in 1977.
Agenda 21:
Agenda 21 was adopted by members of United Nations in Brazil’s city of Rio de Janeiro during National conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) which was held from June 3rd to 14th1992. Commission on Sustainable Development was created in in December 1992 to ensure effective follow up of UNCED and report on implementation of agreements at the local.
Chapter 18 of Agenda 21 identified fresh water resources as essential component of earth’s hydrosphere. It was deemed indispensable part of all terrestrial ecosystems. It aimed to ensure adequate supplies of water of good quality are maintained for entire population.
Dublin Statement 1992:
The international Conference on Water and the Environment (ICWE) was held in city Dublin of Ireland from January 26th to 31st 1992. It adopted to bring innovative approach for assessment, development and management of fresh water resources in need of the commitment of the International community and decision makers at all stages.
Declaration of Millennium Development Goals 2000:
Millennium Development Goals set in 2000called for world to allthe stake holders to develop the infrastructure and facilitate goal of giving access of clean and safe drinking water to half of world population by 2015 proportionally. Year 2015 was declared as “International year of Freshwater” by General Assembly followed by “Water for life” decade spanning from 2005 to 2015.
UN Water 2003:
In 2003 international Agency was set up by United Nations. This agency was responsible for devising inter agency mechanism for all fresh water and sanitation related matters and provides the platform to address the cross cutting nature of water and maximize coordination among member countries. So that members can deliver required results by the outlined rules.
2030 Agenda: Sustainable Development Goals:
On seventieth anniversary of organization United Nations General Assembly session was held from 25th to 27th September 2015. It celebrated surpassing goal of providing drinking water to half of population on planet. It also out lined agenda for next 15 years regarding water as its 6th goal. The goal is to provide water to all individuals as commitment to human right to safe drinking water and sanitation as well as ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
Written By: Ali Ehtsham
