You are viewing our old site. See the new one here

ENB:05:25 [Next] . [Previous] . [Contents]

MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE ON DRINKING WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL SANITATION:

This ministerial conference was held from 22-23 March 1994, in Noordwijk, the Netherlands. Recommendations to the CSD included: support strategies to assist the underprivileged that are cost-effective, based on the real needs of communities, and designed to protect critical aquatic ecosystems and water source catchment areas; reduction of the high levels of water wasted in many cities, agriculture and industry; promotion of water conservation through recycling and reuse; and application of sound economic principles in water allocation and pricing, based on the principle that water is a social and economic good, while recognizing that it is a basic human need. Governments should develop the legal and institutional framework to support participation and partnership, provide access to information, and support public education and capacity building programmes. Governments should also preserve the natural quality of both surface and groundwater.