A global system to monitor management of water resources would help governments secure food and water supplies for the future, a U.N. expert due to attend the World Water Weekconference later this month has told AlertNet.
“There’s demand for a global reporting mechanism that will help us see what is the status of water security and how water is used around the world as a resource, whether in agriculture, industrial production or any other way,” said Joakim Harlin, senior water resources advisor for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The embryonic process – due to be discussed at the water gathering – would set indicators for water-resource management, and build capacity in developing countries so they can collect data, analyse and report on these indicators, he said.
“With such a… mechanism, UN Water will be able to provide governments with what they seek – advice on how to best make use of the available water resources,” he added. U.N. Water coordinates efforts by U.N. agencies on water and sanitation.
More than 2,500 aid workers, water researchers and policymakers will meet in Stockholm in the last week of August. Debates will focus on how best to achieve food security for almost 1 billion people who currently go hungry; how to provide adequate sanitation for 2.5 billion people who lack it; and how to provide safe water access for 783 million people.
