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TitleManaging our future water needs for agriculture, industry, human health and the environment : discussion document for the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2008
Publication TypeMiscellaneous
Year of Publication2008
AuthorsGeneva, CHWorld Econ
Pagination10 p.
Date Published2008-01-01
PublisherWorld Economic Forum
Place PublishedGeneva, Switzerland
Keywordsbusiness risks, international cooperation, policies, sdiwrm, sustainable development, water resources management, water shortage
Abstract

This discussion paper has been developed in order to assist the coalition of the WEF to develop an action plan for the annual meeting of 2008, to find solutions to prevent significant business disruptions due to water scarcity, and all its technical, economic, political, environmental and social implications. Water scarcity is a reality today, and expected to worsen in the future as a result of climate change and demographics.
According to the signatories of this paper, attention of the WEF should be focussed on : 1 ) water governance for transparent/fair allocation to users and sound incentives for efficient water use; 2) water for agricultural use (“more crop per drop”); 3) water for industry (water efficiency within operations); 4) water for energy (the deepening link between water resources and climate change); 5) water for human purposes (sustainable and affordable access to safe drinking water and sanitation); and 6) water for the environment (to ensure sustained eco-system security). A wide coalition of businesses across different sectors should be established, to stimulate innovative partnerships on water management involving research, development, farming, NGOs and government communities.
Signatories suggest that the Forum should investigate initiatives in the domain of : 1) global awareness raising and strategic management for both businesses and governments; 2) water security and its economic and political implications; 3) the competencies of the global business community to help implement actions; 4) a substantive policy dialogue to improve water governance, enabling more market-based mechanisms and sustained global corporate citizenship on water.

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