The Importance Of Shared Water-Shared Opportunities

Each year on World Water Day, the world is reminded that water is a limited resource and the continued survival of life on earth depends on its availability. In 2009, the theme for World Water Day is “Shared Water- Shared Opportunities”, with a special focus on transboundary waters. This calls attention to the waters that cross borders and link us together. It is important that we realise the importance of this shared resource and how it shapes our common destiny. We need first to understand what it is, what it comprises and what it means to us. Only then can we know how we can contribute to managing this important resource.

What is Transboundary Water Source? The Oxford Dictionary defines the prefix ‘trans’ to mean across or beyond.

Wetlands such as lakes and floodplains which are often shared by neighbouring countries provide invaluable ecosystem services to humans. They are an important source of food and water. They help in the reduction of flood impacts and pollution. They are also valuable for recreation and tourism.

About three quarters of the earth is covered with water, but actually, only 1% of the world’s water is usable. About 97% is salty sea water and the other 2% is frozen. This is where our problem lies. The demand for clean water increases as the human population grows. At the same time, uncontrolled pollution and contamination of these water sources pose a threat to our water supply. Since over 45 percent of the land surface of the world is covered by river basins that are shared by more than one country, it has become a shared problem.

Water plays a central and critical role in all aspects of life. We can see its effects on our national environment, in our economies, in food security, in production and in politics. Water also has a special significance for many great religions. The increasing shortage of access to clean water globally is a serious threat. Communities and individuals can exist even for substantial periods without many essential goods. The human being, however, can survive only a few days without clean, safe drinking

The world needs to learn how to share this precious resource effectively and fairly. This can be achieved through increased cooperation in the management of water resources. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) is helping to achieve this by bringing together institutions dealing with surface water and aquifer resources. Through their meetings, new legislative agreements are proposed, public awareness campaigns promoted and alternative ways of dispute resolution are explored. There are many existing case studies that show the benefits to be gained through transboundary cooperation in water resource management. The Blue Nile, Jordan, Mekong, Okavango and Incomati river basins are examples of successful ventures. The key to success lies in a system that brings benefits to all parties to the