Why an International Year of Water Cooperation?
Water, a vital resource unlike any other, knows no borders. For instance, 148 countries share at least one transboundary river basin. That’s why water cooperation is key to security, poverty eradication, social equity and gender equality. In addition, water cooperation generates economic benefits, preserves water resources, protects the environment and builds peace. As rapid urbanization, climate change and growing food needs put ever-increasing pressure on freshwater resources, the objective of the Year is to draw attention to the benefits of cooperation in water management. The celebration of this International Year coincides with the twentieth anniversary of World Water Day.
