Today is World Water Day

The idea of holding World Water Day was first proposed at 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in Rio de Janeiro.

The United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution No. 47/193 of 22.02.1993, whereby March 22 was declared as World Day for Water. Subject to the recommendations of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, observance began in 1993. As for Russia, this day has been celebrated since 1995.

Each year, one of the UN agencies takes the lead in coordinating activities for World Water Day and promoting a new theme under the leadership of the Administrative Committee on Coordination.

Pure water is fundamental to sustain human life, and it is one of the most valuable natural resources. Without water people wouldn’t be able to survive, and civilizations wouldn’t exist. But at the same time, water is a key cause of natural disasters. It’s no wonder that throughout the entire history of humanity people have been fighting not only against water, but for it as well.

Today water is almost a strategic resource, just like energy carriers. It provides for life and activity of people, their economic and social well-being, as well as existence of flora and fauna.

The main aims of World Water Day are as follows:

Encourage to take appropriate measures to solve the problem on provision of people with access to drinking water;

Inform the public on importance of protection and conservation of fresh water and water resources in general;

Invite government, non-government and international agencies, as well as private sector to celebrate World Water Day.

March 22 is a unique opportunity to remind the mankind about paramount importance of water resources for environment and social development. Proactive efforts can help deepen public perception of problems, as well as solutions in this area.