Environment – World Water Day (March 22, 2017)

France is joining in the celebration of World Water Day, whose theme this year is wastewater.

More than 80% of wastewater resulting from human activities flows back into rivers or the sea without being treated. 2.4 billion people lack basic sanitary facilities such as toilets.

Each day, 1,000 children die from diseases that are easily preventable by improving sanitation and hygiene.

Working with state utilities, associations and companies, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development is committed to promoting the universal right to water and sanitation, declared human rights by the UN in 2010. This goal implies the integrated, sustainable management of water resources and the establishment of affordable services.

With the per capita amount of available, accessible fresh water decreasing due to population and economic growth and climate change, the reuse of wastewater seems like a promising strategy, particularly in areas with a severe shortage of fresh water.