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 A
world where everyone values and accepts their responsibilities
regarding the conservation and wise use of the resources and functions
of freshwater ecosystems; where benefits for humanity are optimized
while ensuring that there will be no loss or degradation of the
resources, functions and biodiversity of these ecosystems.
This is the vision developed last June in
San José, Costa Rica, at the workshop on Freshwater and
Environmental Security.
Participants from different regions of the
world joined in to define basic knowledge on freshwater ecosystems
management and environmental security.
This workshop was the third in a series of
consultations being held to develop the "Vision of Water
and Development" and learn how freshwater and ecosystem management
affect social, economic and environmental security.
Previous workshops focused on Management of
Freshwater Ecosystems and Social Security (Harare, Zimbabwe, April
13-15, 1999) and Management of Freshwater Ecosystems and Economic
Security (Bangkok, Thailand, June 9-11, 1999.)
The Costa Rica workshop also provided mechanisms
for strengthening ties between water management stakeholders in
Central America, with the participation of the Central American
Commission on Environment and Development (Comisión Centroamericana
de Ambiente y Desarrollo - CCAD), the Central American Integration
System (Sistema de Integración Centroamericana - SG-SICA),
the Regional Committee on Hydraulic Resources (Comité Regional
de Recursos Hidráulicos - CRRH) and the Center for the
Prevention of Disaster in Central America (Centro para la Prevención
de Desastres en América Central - CEPREDENAC).
Workshop activities included the identification
of challenges, principles and strategies that should be incorporated
in the development of the the Vision for Water and Nature.
Challenges:
- Wise use of resources
- Conservation and protection of ecosystems
- Participation and responsible conduct by civil groups
- Strengthening of the groups responsible for aquatic resources
- Political commitment to change
- Development and reinforcement of laws and agreements
- Development of financially sustainable mechanisms
- Economic realities in the next millennium
- Development of innovative science and technology
- Maintenance of information flows
- Implementation of effective communication and education
Principles of the Vision for Water and
Nature
- Care for freshwater
- Foment ecosystems and their biodiversity
- Use freshwater equitably
- Share freshwater secrets
- Educate people about freshwater and ecosystems
Implementation strategies for the project include
the following:
- Promote conservation and protection of ecosystems
- Encourage wise use of resources
- Include all components of society in decision-making
- Strengthen existing institutions and develop new ones
- Influence politicians to make freshwater ecosystem management
a priority
- Incorporate matters concerning freshwater ecosystems in legal
frameworks
- Develop innovative financial strategies
- Develop and employ "green" economic measures
- Intensify scientific research and the development of new technologies
- Improve information gathering and dissemination
- Improve education and communication regarding freshwater ecosystems
The first draft of a document for discussion
on the Vision for Water and Nature has been prepared and can be
found at: http://www.waterandnature.org
For more information, contact
Debbie Gray: [email protected]
Chris Morry: [email protected]
Water and Nature IUCN-Canada Office
380, rue St-Antoine at Suite 3200
Montreal, Q.C. CANADA H2Y 3X7
Fax: +1+514+287-9057
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