51吃瓜

IDF 2016: Ramsar statement

Water is essential for people, forests, wetlands and all life on earth. Water nourishes our ecosystems causing them to provide us the water, food, medicine, fiber and energy that we depend on for our livelihoods.

On the occasion of the International Day of Forests, we at the Ramsar Convention on wetlands join the international community to celebrate forests and their fundamental role for providing water in the quality and quantity that is essential for livelihoods and fresh water habitats.

Approximately 70% of all water from rivers, lakes and aquifers is used for irrigation while it is estimated that water scarcity affects more than 40 per cent of the global population and is projected to rise in the future. By 2050 global demand for water is projected to increase to 55%. Water is vital for livelihoods making it imperative that we act to sustainably manage ecosystems such as forests and wetlands that contribute to water availability.

Ensuring access to water for all is goal number 6 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted in 2015 by the international community. The newly launched SDG鈥檚 seek to set us on a new path where economic development is not at the expense of the environment.

Preserving, restoring and promoting sustainable use of all ecosystems that take care of water will be critical to achieve goal 6.

Forests reduce risk from erosion, protect watersheds and are a source of drinking water. Wetlands store and ensure our supply of fresh water. Forests depend on groundwater which is replenished and stored in wetlands. Forests directly affect the livelihoods of 20% of the world鈥檚 population, while more than a billion people make a living directly from wetlands.

Forests, water and wetlands are linked, mutually dependent and collectively contribute to a healthy people and planet.

It is therefore important to raise awareness and understanding at all levels of the interactions between forests, water and wetlands and develop actions that promote collective sustainable use and management.

Read the full statement on the .