The United Nations (UN) acknowledges this and coordinates through its division called UN-Water, along with some member states mandated for this purpose.
The theme for 2024 is “Water for Peace.” This theme focuses on the crucial role that water plays in promoting and establishing peace and sustainable development. Water can either create peace or be a reason for conflict in areas where this resource is scarce. Also, when people do not have equal access to water or have no access at all, tensions can rise between communities and countries.
Water and peace go hand in hand; therefore, the Department of Nature and Environment (DNM) also takes this opportunity to promote this theme. Lasting peace depends on water. Here at DNM, we have a rainwater harvesting system for daily use in flushing toilets. This reflects our commitment to the resource and sustainable water use.
Without water, survival is impossible. Water is essential for human health, agriculture, food production, and a healthy environment. A lack of water can lead to scarcity, conflict, or even armed mobilization.
In Aruba, we do not experience conflicts due to water or talk about a scarcity of drinking water. Here, we appreciate water as a valuable resource. We must use water consciously and preserve its quality for future generations.
World Water Day is also a call to action to:
Invest in water management to ensure access to clean water for everyone.
Work on solutions for water management and waste to reduce the possibility of contamination.
Promote cooperation to share water resources fairly and sustainably to avoid conflict.
What are the benefits of uniting around the water theme? Water can pull us out of crises and has the potential to help overcome them. Cooperation on water issues opens the door to cooperation on other challenges shared by nations. That’s why we promote the vital links between water and peace. Cooperation on water issues crosses borders, and different sectors demonstrate the benefits that accelerate progress towards sustainable development goals (SDGs).
This includes ensuring that water for consumption reaches those who need it, that there is water for sanitation, that water secures food production, sustains well-being and healthy ecosystems, and contributes to resilience against climate change. Contributing to resilience helps reduce disaster risks, provides support for renewable energy, and sustains cities and industries. In this way, it stimulates more peace in general.
What we need to realize in Aruba is that the water we use must undergo a wastewater treatment process. If the channels for this exist, it can take place, and the water can be processed for other uses in other sectors. We need to think in terms of water circulation. As individuals, we can use water at home or at work more cautiously, reducing the stress that water use puts on the environment and water infrastructure.
Here at DNM, we have a system that collects condensation water from the air conditioning. This water is stored in a water tank and connected to the flush system in the office restrooms. We also have a green wall inside with an automatic system that waters the plants only when necessary.
World Water Day is an opportunity for our community to reflect on the value of water and commit to using water consciously for the well-being of future generations. Together, we can promote peace and sustainable development through responsible water management.
For more information about World Water Day, you can visit the official UN website:
World Water Day – Resources | United Nations
www.un.org/en/observances/water-day/resources
