Debate in Aix-En-Provence

A la claire fontaine m’en allant me promener j’ai trouvé l’eau si belle que je m’y suis baigné...

THE FUTURE OF THE WATER IS IN DANGER?

As we are on the verge of a disaster announced, initiatives abound. Is it only the survival instinct that drives us?

Erik Orsenna has another answer to offer us.... “If you did not like this crazy planet, what's the point of fighting for it?"Water inspires artists’ know-how: painters, potters, sculptors, basket makers and musicians. Strong but fragile, we must respect itDrinking pure water is not obvious any more... Asia, Africa, Australia and some American states are more and more affected by the drinking water shortage. By 2020, half of humanity will have no access to clean drinking water. Under the combined effects of desertification, pollution and population explosion, this vital resource becomes a scarce commodity. Significantly, since 2010, the United Nations General Assembly recognizes the right to drinking water and sanitation of water resources as a human right.After more than fifteen years of debate on the issue, 122 countries voted in favor of a compromise resolution drafted by Bolivia and devoting the right, while 41 others abstained. The text "declares that the right to clean drinking water quality and sanitation is a human right, essential to the full enjoyment of the right to life".World reserves of water per capita have halved since 1950 and this volume will be halved again in 2025. Middle East situation looks dramatic, precipitation will fall 25% in the coming years and the rate of evaporation will increase in the same proportion. The water sharing will be perhaps the fight of the century! When rivers like the Jordan, the Nile or the Euphrates pass through several states, major tensions can arise for the control of water. Twenty countries are already regarded as hydro-conflict zones.Water is a common and essential property to life and health. Providing its distribution to the population under conditions that ensure safety and quality is a major public health challenge.

For Erik Orsenna, whose latest book "The Future of Water" deals with this crucial issue, it’s the good governance of water and not only the conquest which is needed: "Let's start with better management of resources we have. Providing water in India costs an average of two dollars per person with techniques for collecting rain water and more than 200 dollars if we choose to make mega-dams".It is therefore necessary to act whenever possible to preserve the quality of water which gives us life and health. No action is trivial and each one can act at his level, in the here and now.

The future of water is in danger?

Here's the debate that our students will face during the meeting in Aix en Provence.

What is the water situation in your country? What solutions can we provide in our daily live?

Elisa Badiali