World Water Day 2018 focusing on nature based solutions

The Answer is in Nature is the main message of World Water Day 2018. Image: UN

The theme of World Water Day 2018 is ‘Nature for Water’. The event organised annually by the United Nations on the 22nd of March explores how to use nature to overcome floods, droughts and water pollution. Worldwide events will be organized to spread the message.

Environmental damage, together with climate change, is driving the water-related crises we see around the world. Floods, drought and water pollution are all made worse by degraded vegetation, soil, rivers and lakes.

Plant new forests
According to the UN, nature-based solutions have the potential to solve many of these water challenges. “We need to do so much more with ‘green’ infrastructure and harmonize it with ‘grey’ infrastructure wherever possible. Planting new forests, reconnecting rivers to floodplains, and restoring wetlands will rebalance the water cycle and improve human health and livelihoods”, states the international organisation.

Safe water for everyone
World Water Day is about focusing attention on the importance of water. Sustainable Development Goal 6 commits the world to ensuring that everyone has access to safe water by 2030, and includes targets on protecting the natural environment and reducing pollution.

More information:
www.worldwaterday.org