12 - 17 March, 2012 - 6th World Water Forum #waterforum6

Marseille is hosting this week the 6th edition of the World Water Forum the event organized by the World Water Council. The triennial international conference gathers together experts, governments and NGOs representatives to talk about issues pertaining the sustainable use and preservation of natural water resources. New threats like the climate change and the consequent desertification are putting at risk the access to water of poor people in particular in developing countries.

The theme for the 6th World Water Forum is "Time for Solutions". The purpose of this event is first to raise awareness on major challenges like the climate change or the industrial exploitation of hydric resources faced by the world by bringing water high on all political agendas. By Using the results of previous Fora and other international meetings as a foundation (Platform for Solutions), the forum aims to develop and to trigger the actual implementation of concrete solutions through the achievement of a series of targets in the following priority areas
(12 priorities):

1.1 Guarantee access to water for all and the Right to water, 

1.2 Improve access to integrated sanitation services for all, 

1.3 Contribute to hygiene and health through water and sanitation, 

1.4 Prevent and respond to water-related risks and crises, 

1.5 Contribute to Cooperation and Peace through water, 

2.1 Balance multiple uses through Integrated Water Resource Management, 

2.2 Contribute to food security by optimal use of water, 

2.3 Harmonize water and energy, 

2.4 Promote green growth and value ecosystem services, 

3.1 Improve the quality of water resources and ecosystems, 

3.2 Adjust pressures and footprints of human activities on water, 

3.3 Respond to climate and global changes in an urbanizing world.