Protection of Water (2004, No. 10) (Open)

The 28th Triennial Conference resolves: that NFAs urge their respective governments to

1. protect water resources and specifically declare that water, being a non-renewable natural resource of paramount importance, be protected at all levels of government and its use and price be regulated;
2. oppose all efforts to make privatization of water a condition for receiving financial aid.
3. adopt and implement a sustainable and prudent water management policy to respond to long-term regional needs with due regard to the ecosystem and hydro-geological reality; and,
4. promote conservation and more efficient use of surface water and groundwater at individual, local, national and international levels.

Plan of Action

1. NFAs should urge national delegates to the World Trade Organization to make firm and binding the exemption of water resources in bulk form from any consideration as a commodity.
2. NFAs should be alert to and oppose efforts by the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund to require countries to privatize their water prior to receiving financial assistance.
3. NFAs should educate themselves on global water issues in order to approach their governments to carry forward the resolution. UNESCO has several resources in print.