THE CHALLENGE
Global water systems face formidable threats. More than 1 billion people live in water-scarce regions, and as many as 3.5 billion could experience water shortages by 2025. Yet demand for water continues to rise, with OECD projecting a 55 percent increase by 2050.
At the same time, the World Health Organization reports that more than 800 million people currently struggle to find safe, reliable drinking water, and another 2.3 billion people lack access to basic sanitation services like toilets or latrines. Increasing pollution levels are only intensifying these challenges, degrading many of the waterways that sustain poor communities’ lives and livelihoods. In developing countries, for instance, 80 percent of toxic, industrial wastewater flows into rivers or oceans untreated, directly impacting the health and safety of both people and the environment.
Creating Solutions
The Community of Practice on Water and Open Government creates a space for deliberation, learning and targeted action. Together, members will develop innovative, multi-faceted approaches to overcome the barriers to effective water management and and ensure that the most marginalized and vulnerable communities are not left behind.
Who?
The Community of Practice was initiated by SIWI, Avina Fundación, World Resources Institute, Open Government Partnership, and the Water Integrity Network.
Get involved
Find out about the Communitiy of Practice, and join up to create a bridge between governance and water management silos and communities. Civil society, multilateral institutions, and government officials are encouraged to join, as well as share priorities and opportunities to influence and create exciting new reforms.
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