In a renewed emphasis on the importance of water resources in the three dimensions of sustainable development: economic, social and environment, the UAE and other world countries will observe World Water Day on Sunday under the theme, 'Water and Sustainable Development.' Dr. Rashid Ahmed bin Fahad, Minister of Environment and Water, said in a statement that water is not only the most important natural resource, but also the most precious, being the mainstay of life and basis for development.
"Overexploitation of this precious resource threatens its continuation, a move that could have adverse effects on economy, health and environment, especially in the light of increasing pressures and challenges on water resources posed by the growth of population and economy, climate change and consumption patterns," he added.
The Minister noted that given the fact that the distribution of water in the world is uneven at the global, continental, geographical or population levels, the majority of developing countries whose economies depend mainly on agriculture will be frequently exposed to economic, social and food crises as a result of the continuing pressure on water resources and in turn will reflect on global food security.
He added that though the water-scarce countries are the most affected by the pressures faced by water resources, the water-abundant countries are also not completely immune from the pressures, particularly those related to climate change, noting that freshwater resources in many of these countries are vulnerable to degradation and pollution.
With regard to the UAE, the Minister pointed out that the UAE is one of the water-scarce countries due to lack of rainfall and high temperature. However, the vital sectors benefiting from water resources in the UAE have not suffered in any way due to lack of water to meet their water requirements, thanks to the wise policies pursued by our wise leadership led by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, about adopting strategic water desalination policies.
The desalinated water accounts for about 42 per cent of water production capacity, and comes second as a water supply resource, the first being groundwater which accounts for 98 per cent of the municipal sector's water needs.
World Water Day has been observed since 22nd March, 1993 when the United Nations General Assembly declared the day as "World Day for Water." This day was first formally proposed in Agenda 21 of the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Observance of the day began in 1993, and has grown significantly ever since for the general public to show support.