International Water Decade

On March 22 we celebrate the World Water Day, within the context of the "International Water Decade" (Water for Life), inaugurated in 2005 by decision of the UN General Assembly. The current year is particularly important because it will allow to take stock of the achievements, predict the future challenges and develop the strategy that the Countries will adopt at the conclusion of the Decade.
Besides, another event held in Istanbul and very important for the international community, will find a conclusion on March 22: the 5th World Water Forum, dedicated to the theme "Bridging divides for Water", that aims at facilitating the debate on global water resources, at convinceing the policy makers to incorporate issues related to water into the political agenda as well as making constructive proposals to improve the situation.
World Water Day organizers, that is UNESCO with the support of FAO and the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), called for deepening the theme "Shared Waters - Shared Opportunities", with particular attention to the management of transboundary waters, which may be a source of conflict but most of all an occasion of cooperation between peoples. Worldwide, there are 263 lakes and cross-border hydric basins that cover the territories of 145 Countries and nearly half of the Earth's surface. In the last 60 years there have been more than 300 international agreements on water resources and in only 37 cases they have caused conflicts between States. The objective of World Water Day is therefore raising awareness about the opportunities for cooperation in the transboundary waters management, in order to promote mutual respect, understanding and trust between Countries as well as peace, security and sustainable economic growth.