Conserve water, conserve biodiversity

Press Statement on the Occasion of World Water Day 2010
Rodrigo U. Fuentes, Executive Director
ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity
22 March 2010

Water is life. But did you know that waterborne diseases are causing the death of more than 1.5 million children every year? Statistics from the United Nations are indeed alarming: Two million tons of sewage and other effluents are draining into the world’s waters every day. In developing countries, 70 percent of industrial wastes are dumped untreated into waters where they pollute the usable water supply. More than 894 million people do not have access to safe freshwater.

While the demand for water continues to grow, the supply is getting smaller. Human activities are largely to blame.

Years of abuse and poor management of the world’s natural resources have resulted in the degradation of the global water supply. Deforestation has destroyed watersheds and their capability to retain freshwater. Erosion and siltation have damaged the quality of lakes and rivers. Pesticides and mining residues pollute water sources and affect the health of fish, birds and other animals that drink from these areas. Dams and reservoirs have changed water flow. Industrial processes and domestic waste have polluted our waterways and oceans and threatened the lives of fish, corals, sea grasses and other organisms. These are worsened by the increasing impacts of climate change, which has caused extreme drought in many parts of the world.

As we celebrate World Water Day 2010 with the theme “Clean Water for a Healthy World,” we are reminded of the need for protect our precious water resources – the source of life for all of us.

For us at the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity, we see the crucial need to remind people about the critical link between water and biodiversity.

As we know, water is an integral aspect of agriculture and ecosystem. Food production is constrained when the availability of water is reduced, thus exacerbating hunger and poverty. Poor water quality also has serious affects on human health and biodiversity. Clean water is essential for healthy environments.

Some say that the next World War will be over water. Fighting, however, will not solve water scarcity. The key is for each one of us to contribute our share in conserving water.

Saving water is not just simply turning off the tap while brushing teeth, fixing leaks, or recycling water in the household. Governments, concerned communities and individuals need to protect water resources and biodiversity, which contributes to healthy wetland ecosystems.

Healthy forests retain both water and soil resources. When forests are plentiful, watersheds retain ample supply in water basins and prevent soil erosion that may cause siltation of water bodies. Healthy wetlands also recharge underground aquifers, providing ample drinking water to satisfy the needs of the world’s population.

Conserving biodiversity to support healthy wetlands ensures a richer biodiversity of species. Intact and viable wetlands filter water and make it safe for drinking. Clean lakes, rivers and estuaries ensure the survival and abundance of nursery areas of fish, encouraging higher fish production. Clean water encourages plant growth and support richer marine life, which benefit humans since many freshwater and marine plants are used for a variety of purposes ranging from handicrafts to animal fodder. Healthy wetlands ensure the survival of various animals, especially those in danger of extinction.

Water conservation is a global issue that needs urgent action. Conserve water at home, in school, at the office, and within your community. Prevent unnecessary water use. Encourage industries to recycle water. Conserve biodiversity, protect forests and watersheds, and prevent pollution of freshwater and marine ecosystems. Support action to protect water resources. Help efforts to prevent water scarcity and ensure a world with life-saving water.

Rodrigo U. Fuentes
Executive Director
ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity