World Water Day 2018: Nature for Water

This year is the 15th anniversary of World Water Day, which is designed to highlight the vital importance of something many in the developed world take for granted: freshwater.

The UN estimates that 2.1 billion people in a world of 7 billion lack access to safe drinking water. And this figure could grow by another 2 billion out to 2050.

The major water crisis that is unfolding in Cape Town where the city has taken to drastic measures to respond to the worst drought it has faced in history.

If so-called ‘Day Zero’ takes place, the city runs out of water in nearby reservoirs will force millions of taps to be shut off in homes and businesses.

This year’s theme is ‘Nature for Water’, which encourages people to look at solutions to maintaining and sourcing clean drinking water throughout nature.

An annual report released by the UN’s special water division this week states that utilising natural processes, such as soil moisture retention, or building new wetlands, can help take the pressure off areas suffering from water scarcity.

“We need to deal with the water paradox,” said Erik Solheim, head of UN Environment, while discussing nature-based solutions. “Water is the essence of life, but we don't save it enough. It’s time to change mindsets, it’s not about development versus the environment.”

It’s hoped that taking tips from nature can be cost-effective, efficient and restore degraded ecosystems.

And, of course, climate change has a major role to play in the water crises around the world through increasing the likelihood of extreme weather events, such as drought and storms, which destroy infrastructure and cause large-scale crop failure.

Take a look at the events taking place around the world to celebrate the day; from walks and dances, to lectures and film screenings.

And if you’re on social media, share stories and thoughts using the hashtags: #WorldWaterDay, or #EveryDrop.