May 22, International Day for Biological Diversity: Water and Biodiversity

The United Nations has proclaimed May 22 The International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB). The 2013 theme is Water and Biodiversity; chosen to coincide with the United Nations designation of 2013 as the International Year of Water Cooperation. In addition, the period 2005-2015 is the International Decade for Action 'WATER FOR LIFE'.

UN Secretary-General message
"International Year of Water Cooperation 2013"

The United Nations has prepared materials on Natural Solutions For Water Security. This is a segment on "The Elements of Good Practices in the Drinking Water Sector".

Finalists of 2013 edition of UN-Water 

´Water for Life´ Best Practices Award

Clean water, free of pollution, bacteria and other contaminants, is the bedrock upon which sustainable, thriving and equitable human societies are built. Good governance of the ecosystems providing us with quality drinking water is an essential pre-requisite involving the cooperation of private sector enterprises, all levels of government, public agencies, indigenous and local communities, NGOs and other relevant stakeholders.

Water is a deeply local issue in terms of availability, economic and environmental setting, climate and conflicting interests. 

Good policy approaches for drinking water require holistic strategic approaches involving full consideration of:
* Water quality and availability
* Managing drinking water for both present and future needs
* Maintaining ecosystem integrity and functions
* The role of biodiversity
* Realistic approaches