As we approach the end of the millennium it is clear that sustainable management of
water resources represents a major challenge for the future. Imbalances between
availability and demand coupled with degradation of water quality must be viewed in the
context of growing pressures for environmental protection and increasing concern over
inter-sectoral and inter-regional conflict over access to resources. The problem is
particularly acute for the agricultural sector, which dominates demand in many countries,
especially those in arid, semi-arid and drought-prone regions.
Water is required for life as well as for economic activity. Its dual role as an
environmental asset as well as an economic good poses a particular challenge to us all.
We must ensure that in exploiting this valuable resource for our own benefit we do not
unwittingly compromise the lives of others now and in the future. To meet this challenge
will require the full application of human creativity and innovation.