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YK Puddle
Water, the world’s most precious yet often overlooked resource, is facing a global crisis that threatens economic stability, food security and sustainable development, and affects human health and the environment.
The Echo Bhutan conference, titled “The Future of Water – A Shared Responsibility”, attracted a large audience and focused on this pressing issue.
Discussions highlighted the importance of better water management, fair water pricing, and incentives to promote significant improvements to ensure everyone has equal access to clean and safe water.
The conference, themed “Inspire, Develop and Arouse,” attracted participation from school students, teachers and other participants.
Works by Mridula Ramesh, founder of the Sundaram Climate Research Institute, Watershed and Climate Solutions“Many city dwellers already pay for their water,” he said.
“Addressing climate change and the necessary interventions require reflecting on historical impacts,” she said.
The discussion highlighted that awareness of climate change often comes from direct experience, such as experiencing water shortages. “I didn’t understand climate change until we drilled a 500-foot-deep well at home,” said Mridula Ramesh.
Khurshid Alam, Deputy Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme in Bhutan, noted that historically, water resources in Asia have been a precious gift from the Himalayas.
He warned that a third of the glaciers could disappear within a decade and urged immediate action: “We have to stop now.”
He explained that water affects agricultural practices, dietary habits, technology and urbanization. Over the past decade, UNDP and the Government of Bhutan have collaborated on 15 projects worth $85 million, focusing on three areas: equitable water distribution, glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) risks, and about 50 irrigation and drinking water schemes.
“For example, farmers in some areas have been able to resume cultivation after a gap of 20 years,” said Khurshid Alam.
The United Nations has been organizing international water conferences since the 1970s. Last year’s major conference focused on the roles, responsibilities, contributions of countries, water allocation and the impact of climate change.
Modern technologies are improving water use efficiency, with more than 130 countries adopting these practices.
Bhutan’s partnership with India highlights the benefits of shared water to communities along river basins. Bangladesh and India also benefit from Himalayan water resources.
A recent report shows that The high cost of cheap water The economic value of water and freshwater ecosystems is estimated at US$58 trillion per year, equivalent to 60% of global gross domestic product (GDP).
Bhutan is a water-rich country with 94,508 cubic meters of water per capita. More than 90% of the country’s water is used for agriculture, which provides employment for more than 60% of the rural population. Since 2019, the government has invested 527.21 million Ngultrum in flagship water projects. In addition, nearly 99% of Bhutan’s electricity comes from hydropower, which is the country’s main source of income.
Globally, poor water management and the destruction of freshwater ecosystems have left billions of people without access to clean water and sanitation, a situation that is expected to worsen by 2050. The number of people facing water scarcity is increasing, affecting food security.
Rising pollution is putting economic pressure on efforts to reverse environmental damage and address worsening climate impacts. A third of wetlands and freshwater resources have been lost since 1970, leading to an average 83% decline in wildlife populations.
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