World Water Day: Preserving Earth’s Lifeline

By Onyekachi Eke

Water is often referred to as the “elixir of life” for good reason. It supports ecosystems, agriculture, human health, and economic development. It forms the bedrock of sustainable development, playing a pivotal role in eradicating poverty, promoting gender equality, and safeguarding our environment.

According to a WHO/UNICEF report (2023), an alarming 2.2 billion individuals still live without safely managed drinking water, including a staggering 115 million people who rely on surface water.

This year’s World Water Day theme, “Water for Peace,” highlights the impact of water scarcity and pollution on global stability. These challenges lead to tension, conflicts, and socio-economic imbalances. It is estimated that by 2050, nearly half of the world’s population will live in water-stressed regions, making it imperative to address these challenges urgently.

Climate change further exacerbates water challenges. Rising temperatures (as experienced recently), altered precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events threaten water availability and quality. To ensure water security and sustainable development, addressing climate change and its effects is paramount.

While it is disheartening to witness the lack of access to safe drinking water and sanitation in Nigeria, this Day serves as a platform to promote sustainable water management practices and inspire collective action. Governments, organisations, communities, and individuals must come together to raise awareness, share best practices, and initiate efforts to conserve water resources.

This Day emphasises the importance of ensuring equitable access to water for all, leaving no one behind. It includes marginalised communities, women, children, and people living in remote areas. Efforts should focus on providing safe drinking water, improved sanitation facilities, and hygiene education to those in need, thereby empowering communities to manage their water resources sustainably.

Protecting and conserving water is an imperative that calls for collective action. By addressing the global water crisis, promoting sustainable water management practices, mitigating the effects of climate change, and ensuring equitable access to water for all, we can safeguard this precious resource for generations to come.

Cover picture: Nigeria Health Watch