WWF Becomes a Revitalization Forum for Real Action to Realize Inclusive and Sustainable Water Governance
Badung – The 10th World Water Forum (WWF) must be a momentum for countries in the world to revitalize real action and joint commitment by sharing knowledge, encouraging innovative solutions, and realizing integrated water resources management.
This was emphasized by Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) when opening the 10th WWF High Level Meeting (HLM) at the Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center (BNDCC), Bali.
“This is to strengthen commitment and formulate real actions related to inclusive and sustainable water management,” said Jokowi.
President Jokowi said this, because water plays an important and central role in human life. In fact, it is so important that water is called the next oil in the future.
Likewise when viewed from an economic perspective. Water shortages, said the President, could slow economic growth by up to 6% until 2050.
Therefore, in front of the 10th WWF participants, President Jokowi revealed that in the last 10 years, Indonesia has strengthened water infrastructure such as building 42 dams, 1.18 million hectares (ha) of irrigation networks. Then rehabilitate 4.3 million hectares of irrigation networks and build 2,156 kilometers of flood control and coastal protection.
The President explained that Indonesia had adopted four new initiatives, namely the establishment of World Lake Day; Establishment of a Center of Excellence in Asia Pacific; Sustainable water governance in small island states; and Promotion of water projects.
“Water is not just a natural product but a collaborative product that connects and unites us. “Preserving water is our collective responsibility,” said President Jokowi.
Previously, World Water Council President Loïc Fauchon encouraged the heads of state and delegations present to include the right to water in the constitutions, laws and regulations in their respective countries. This is considered to accelerate the realization of justice for access to water and sanitation throughout the world.
“So, step by step, we can propose that the right to access to water be upheld for everyone,” he explained.
On this occasion, Loïc Fauchon said that his party would introduce the “Money for Water” coalition at the upcoming UN conference and invite all countries to join. The coalition includes sub-sovereignty and water debt cancellation for the world’s poorest countries.
“We want to ensure that the majority of climate funding is essentially dedicated to water, including wastewater,” he concluded.
