VISION FOR WATER AND NATURE A WORLD STRATEGY FOR CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF WATER RESOURCES IN THE 21ST CENTURY

A Vision is presented here of a world in which the benefits of freshwater and related ecosystems to humankind are optimised, while the intrinsic values of these systems are respected and preserved. In this world, the mutual dependence of people and ecosystems is accepted, and unavoidable loss of ecosystems ’ functions and biodiversity is more than compensated through restoration. This Vision describes a world in which environmental security is guaranteed because everyone values and accepts personal responsibility for the conservation and wise use of freshwater and related ecosystems. The maintenance of environmental security is based on integrated management of all land and water use through an ecosystem-based approach within river and drainage basins, including their associated marine and coastal zones. It is also a world in which social security is strengthened by providing everyone with equitable access to and responsibility for safe and sufficient water resources to meet their needs and rights, by means that maintain the integrity of freshwater and related ecosystems