According to UN Water, by 2025, two-thirds of the world population would be under stressed water conditions. Global human population growth and the rate of natural resource extraction are adversely impacting on the earth system. The rate of resource extraction is not sustainable, and well-documented climate change already exacerbates this problem (Giegengack 2010). Water is an essential resource, which is most of the time undervalued. Most economic models do not value the essential services provided by freshwater ecosystems, often leading to unsustainable use of water resources and ecosystem degradation (WWAP 2015). Water is one of the most valuable natural resources, widely taken as granted, being wasted at an alarming rate. Whereas, nearly one billion (one-seventh of world population) do not have access to it. Besides, around 2.7 billion people in the world find water scarce for at least one month of the year (WWF 2015). Agriculture and economic development largely dependent on the adequate supply of freshwater. Different regions in Africa, Middle East, South Asia, South-east Asia, some states in the US and South American countries are facing noteworthy water-related challenges. Not only human being needs water, but also all other living organisms and non-living things highly depend on water. The growing scarcity of water resources stressing our valuable ecosystems.
Water brings all good things to life. “A shortage of water resources could spell increased conflicts in the future. Population growth will make the problem worse. So will climate change. As the global economy grows, so will its thirst. Many more conflicts lie just over the horizon” – Ban Ki-Moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations. Many believe water crisis is real and becoming as the greatest challenge for the human world. Furthermore, global power might change the water-related politics in the coming years. The world is becoming much thirstier. To meet the needs of a rapidly growing population around the world, higher demand in the market accelerating production, draining water resources more quickly than ever.
According to the IPCC Fifth Assessment Report, climate change has negatively affected major crops (wheat, rice, and maize) for many regions and in the global aggregate and without adequate adaptation measures to climate change the negative impact the production.
A large number of water bodies are transboundary – these rivers, lakes or groundwater systems are sometimes shared among multiple countries, and cooperation over this issue to ensure fair share is often troublesome and lengthy. The Ganges delta is one of the concrete examples, which cover a large part of South Asia. Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, and Pakistan share 20 transboundary rivers along the conflicting border areas (World Bank). China, India, and Bangladesh repeatedly failing to reach an agreement. In South Asia, India is the biggest state and having water controversies with all its neighbors.
The global community has the solution. “Ultimately, water will be limiting in all respects unless we learn to do a lot more with a lot less, learn to reuse, and more and more, and to manage our way to a sustainable water future” – Jay Famiglietti. To produce 1 kg of wheat, rice and beef producers need 1000L, 1400L and 13000L of water respectively (D.Zimmer, and D.Renault 2003). Huge saving of water through integrated water management practice is possible. Modern science and technologies are increasing the efficiency of industries including agriculture and homestead use of water. As the most intelligent species on the earth, it is our responsibility to conserve, preserve and protect water resources for future generations and the animal world. The latest Sustainable Development Goals also an emphasis on access to freshwater and its conservation. According to UN Water, 3 out of 4 jobs worldwide are water-dependent. There is a range of controversies involved in the world’s water conflicts. However, there are opportunities to build our earth a better place for the future generation, ensuring adequate access to fresh and safe water. Common global concerns like disputes about the building and operation of large dams, environmental sustainability, climate change adaptation, water markets, water governance, distribution and sharing water resources are bringing different parties on the same platform and creating an opportunity for the future. Public participation, the role of national and international NGOs, a standard approach and changing human mindset can help improve the water management. Human use of water does not only reduce the amount of water available for industrial and agricultural development but has a profound effect on the aquatic ecosystem and its associated living organisms.
The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is a specialized agency of the United Nations dedicated to eradicating rural poverty and investing in poor rural people, with a particular focus on smallholders in developing countries. Adaptation for Smallholder Agriculture Programme (ASAP) promotes sustainable water use in agriculture and improves access to information for millions of crop growers (Tropical Agriculture Association 2014).
Watershed management and information technology are a critical challenge for water scare regions like Africa and Asia. Experiences show that the successful watershed management requires the adoption of latest technologies according to local needs, advanced information database, and regional cooperation. Accordingly, investments are also necessary to build the capacity of local government and local communities. Improvements in the agriculture system and value addition to the local communities are imperative for greater impact of sustainable water management.
Can you imagine a future without beer? To produce one-liter of beer, 300 liters of water being used. 70% of world’s fresh water is used for agriculture (UN Water). Understanding the value of water in everyday life and being considerate before wasting water at an individual level is important. Public education at all levels can help reduce water waste. At the same time, policy and regulation should be in place to encourage residents about their water consumption. Changes in human behavior are the key towards a more sustainable future.