By : Hadi Atmaja )*
Water is one of the main needs for mankind. If there is no water there will be no life. Therefore, limited clean water at a time when population growth is increasing could become a threat to the world. So with the presence of the World Water Forum (WWF) 2024 in Bali this time, we can find solutions to various water problems in the world, especially in Indonesia.
WWF is an important platform in efforts to overcome the world water crisis. This forum allows stakeholders from various backgrounds to come together, share knowledge, experiences and innovative ideas in order to find real solutions to global water problems. However, it is important to remember that WWF itself is not a single solution, but rather part of a larger effort to address the world’s water crisis.
It is important to remember that efforts to overcome the water crisis require long-term commitment from all parties involved, as well as strong coordination at the local, national and international levels. WWF can be one platform to facilitate this collaboration, but true success in overcoming the water crisis depends on the implementation of strategies and concrete actions taken on the ground.
Director of Asia Pacific World Water Council (WWC) and 10th World Water Forum (WWF), Yoon-Jin Kim stated that the water crisis is one of the serious problems facing the world today. Lack of clean water can cause various problems, such as drought and the spread of disease. Therefore, the government and related parties must work harder to overcome the impacts of climate change and the water crisis. Additionally, we need to think about making water more sustainable. So we really encourage cooperation from various stakeholders at the 10th WWF.
Kim also said that WWC sees the water crisis as a problem that must be addressed globally. Countries must collaborate in developing efficient technologies for water management, increasing water storage capacity, and ensuring sustainable water management. In addition, investment in research and development of environmentally friendly green technologies is also key to finding long-term solutions to this problem. Then Kim also saw WWF as a global platform, not only discussing or looking for water solutions, but seeing what changes were happening and what their impact was.
Through WWF, concrete solutions can be produced, such as increasing water use efficiency, preventing and controlling water pollution, rehabilitating water ecosystems, and increasing access to clean water for communities in need. Apart from that, this forum can also be a momentum to strengthen cooperation between countries and related parties in efforts to maintain the sustainability of water resources globally.
Meanwhile, Spokesperson for the PUPR Ministry, Endra S Atmawidjaja, said that the implementation of the 10th WWF was a momentum for Indonesia, and archipelagic countries in general, to increase access to drinking water for the public. Indonesia currently plays the role of facilitator (driving force) as host and one of the countries that has committed to achieving the target of 100 percent access to drinking water by 2030.
It is known that safe and clean drinking water is needed for drinking, cooking and bathing. Meanwhile, unsafe water can cause various diseases, such as diarrhea, cholera and dysentery. Several countries are still not on the line regarding all the challenges they face, so it is necessary in this WWF that Indonesia plays a role in instilling the importance of collaboration to answer these challenges.
The water crisis is very crucial because water is a basic need for human survival, health and welfare. Water is used for drinking, cooking, bathing, sanitation, agriculture, industry, transportation, and various other activities. In a broader scope, ecosystem sustainability also depends heavily on water. Thus, the availability and good quality of water is the key to the sustainability of human life and the earth. Although the water crisis is a complex challenge, there are concrete steps that can be taken to overcome it. Protection and wise management of water resources is the key to maintaining sustainable water supplies.
From developing efficient infrastructure to educating the public about the importance of water conservation, every small step has a significant impact in overcoming the water crisis. In addition, technological innovation in wastewater treatment and the development of alternative water sources is also an important part of the long-term solution to ensure that clean water remains available to everyone around the world. Then awareness, education and real action are the keys to overcoming this global challenge, leading to a world where clean water is a right for everyone and the earth’s water ecosystem can thrive without fear of drought.
)* The author is an environmental observer