Water is life and we need water for peace
Every year on March 22nd, the world celebrates World Water Day to remind ourselves about the importance of water for our life. Water is crucial as a source of living but also as a source of peace. When water becomes scarce, peace is threatened. To set a focus on that, the theme for World Water Day 2024 was Water for Peace.
Water for peace
Water can create peace or spark conflict.
When water is scarce or polluted, or when people have unequal, or no access, tensions can rise between communities and countries.
More than 3 billion people worldwide depend on water that crosses national borders. Yet, only 24 countries have cooperation agreements for all their shared water.
As climate change impacts increase, and populations grow, there is an urgent need, within and between countries, to unite around protecting and conserving our most precious resource.
Public health and prosperity, food and energy systems, economic productivity and environmental integrity all rely on a well-functioning and equitably managed water cycle.
Prosperity and peace rely on water.
Without clean water, we cannot survive. Without water, we cannot farm, build or develop our country. The Conservation Society of Sierra Leone (CSSL) works with communities and government to ensure the protection of water sources. At Lake Sonfon and the Pampana River, for example, we advocate for a clear “no to mining” to ensure clean water for the communities living there. Around the Western Area Peninsula Forest, we advocate for the protection of the forest to ensure that the Guma reservoir will not run out of water but continues to provide uninterrupted water for the people of Freetown and the whole peninsula.
Let´s protect our water sources and water catchments! Let´s ensure peace in our community!
Learn more about the importance of water and initiatives all around the globe to protect our water on www.unwater.org
Use World Water Day to engage school children in Water for Peace action: School Children Activation Kit
