(CARICOM Secretariat, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, Guyana) World Water Day is being observed on 22 March 2015 under the themeWater and Sustainable Development. Its observance is an important reminder of the central function of water in all facets of our existence.
The provision of reliable potable water is essential for food and nutrition security, environmental sustainability, industrial and economic development, and health. Therefore, joining the world to commemorate World Water Day is important to the Caribbean Community.
Several CARICOM Member States experienced prolonged droughts in 2014, severely affecting agricultural production, and water availability for domestic and industrial uses including hydro power generation. Extreme dry conditions still persist in some states in 2015. This creeping drought phenomenon has strengthened our commitment to continue efforts to highlight the importance of water management at the national and regional levels. At the individual level, we also have a responsibility to observe strict water conservation practices by eliminating wastage and reporting leaks to relevant authorities.
Climate change will continue to have serious implications for water resources in the Region. Of great concern is extreme weather events, causing floods, droughts, and impacting severely on agriculture, food security and the prosperity of the Region.
To address those challenges related to water, the recently concluded 53rd Special Meeting of the Council of Trade and Economic Development (COTED) on Environment and Sustainable Development issued a call for CARICOM Member States to continue to treat water resource management as an area of critical importance. Partnership remains one of the means of implementation needed to achieve sustainable water development goals.
Partnerships are crucial as water cuts across levels of authority, disciplines and interest groups. Therefore, as national development decisions are being made, a multi-disciplinary approach must be taken to ensure a sustainable and secured future for water.
The very survival of humanity hinges upon the development of priorities to improve the management of the world’s water resources. The Caribbean Community is committed to working in the spirit of cooperation and partnership to search for the urgent solutions needed to secure water for future generations.
