World Water Day 2022

World Water Day is on 22 March every year. It is an annual United Nations Observance, started in 1993, that celebrates water and raises awareness of the 2 billion people currently living without access to safe water. A core focus of World Water Day is to inspire action towards Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6: water and sanitation for all by 2030.

This year’s theme is ‘groundwater’ and draws attention to the hidden water resource that has always been critically important but not fully recognized in sustainable development policymaking. Groundwater is invisible, but its impact is visible everywhere. Out of sight, under our feet, groundwater is a hidden treasure that enriches our lives. Almost all of the liquid freshwater in the world is groundwater. As climate change gets worse, groundwater will become more and more critical.  We need to work together to sustainably manage this precious resource. Groundwater may be out of sight, but it must not be out of mind. 

To raise awareness on sustaining groundwater, Elsevier presents a curated list of publicly available journal articles and book chapters. At Elsevier, we are advancing #SDG6 research and ensuring that #groundwater is sustainably explored, analyzed, and monitored.

Following are the themes, objectives, and global initiatives undertaken to address water scarcity and quality issues.

I. Themes and Objectives

Each year, World Water Day highlights a specific theme to focus global attention on pressing water-related issues. For 2022, the theme centers on addressing water scarcity, improving water quality, and ensuring sustainable solutions to water management.

Key objectives of World Water Day 2022 include:

Raising awareness: Increase understanding of the importance of water resources and the need for sustainable water management practices.

Supporting action: Encourage governments, organizations, and individuals to take action to improve water management and address water-related challenges.

Sharing knowledge: Promote the exchange of best practices, research, and innovative solutions to water challenges among various stakeholders.

Fostering partnerships: Strengthen collaboration among governments, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector to achieve global water goals.

II. Global Water Challenges

World Water Day 2022 emphasizes the urgent need to address the following global water challenges:

Water scarcity: Nearly 2 billion people live in areas experiencing high water stress, with increasing demand for water resources due to population growth, urbanization, and climate change.

Water quality: Pollution from agricultural, industrial, and domestic activities poses significant risks to human health and ecosystems, with millions of people lacking access to clean drinking water.

Inadequate sanitation: Over 2 billion people worldwide lack access to basic sanitation services, contributing to the spread of waterborne diseases and negatively impacting public health.

Climate change: Extreme weather events and changing precipitation patterns exacerbate water challenges, including droughts, floods, and the contamination of freshwater sources.

III. Initiatives and Solutions

World Water Day 2022 serves as a platform for launching and showcasing various initiatives and solutions to address global water challenges. Some examples include:

Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM): This holistic approach to water management considers the social, economic, and environmental aspects of water resources to ensure their sustainable use.

Water conservation and efficiency: Implementing water-saving measures, improving irrigation practices, and promoting the efficient use of water resources can help alleviate water scarcity.

Water treatment and reuse: Investing in advanced water treatment technologies and promoting wastewater reuse can improve water quality and reduce the pressure on freshwater sources.

Climate-resilient water infrastructure: Developing infrastructure that can withstand the impacts of climate change, such as drought-resistant water supply systems, can help ensure long-term water security.

World Water Day 2022 is an important opportunity to raise awareness of the critical role of water in our lives and the challenges faced by many communities in accessing clean and safe water. By focusing on addressing water scarcity, improving water quality, and ensuring sustainable solutions, this global observance encourages action, knowledge-sharing, and collaboration among various stakeholders. Through concerted efforts, it is possible to overcome these challenges and ensure the availability of clean and safe water for all, now and in the future.

IV. Engaging in World Water Day Activities

Individuals, organizations, and communities around the world can participate in World Water Day 2022 by engaging in various activities that promote awareness and action. Some suggestions for participation include:

Organizing events: Host workshops, webinars, or panel discussions focusing on water-related issues and solutions, featuring experts from different sectors.

Promoting education: Develop educational materials and conduct school-based activities to teach children and young people about the importance of water conservation and sustainable water management.

Advocacy and awareness campaigns: Use social media platforms, local media outlets, and public events to raise awareness about water challenges and share information on how individuals can contribute to solving these issues.

Volunteering and community engagement: Participate in local initiatives to improve water management, such as river clean-ups, water quality monitoring, or tree planting to reduce soil erosion and improve water retention.

V. The Role of SDG Resources in Supporting World Water Day

The SDG Resources platform plays a crucial role in supporting World Water Day by providing access to research, data, and information related to water management and sustainability. By sharing knowledge and fostering collaboration among researchers, policymakers, and practitioners, SDG Resources contributes to the global effort to address water challenges and promote sustainable solutions.

World Water Day 2022 is a critical opportunity to galvanize global efforts to address water scarcity, improve water quality, and ensure sustainable water management practices. By raising awareness, supporting action, sharing knowledge, and fostering partnerships, we can work together to achieve the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, ensuring that everyone has access to clean and safe water for generations to come.