Study 3: Ecodestruction and the Right to Food: The Cases of Water ...

Starving the Future Study 3
iii. Groundwater
Groundwater is the water that saturates the tiny spaces between alluvial material (sand, gravel, silt,
clay) or the crevices or fractures in rocks. Most groundwater is found in aquifers-underground layers of
porous rock that are saturated from above or from structures sloping toward it. Groundwater is a highly
vulnerable resource. Its purity and availability were used to be taken for granted. Now pollution and
overuse are seriously affecting the supplies: Excessive pumping of groundwater has dramatically
lowered groundwater tables in many areas – in Bangkok for example by 25 meters since 1950. 5
2. Human benefits from freshwater systems
In the continuous natural cycle of water, different ecosystems perform irreplaceable functions, secure a
stable water balance in terrestrial areas and thus enable the use of water by human beings. Only a
sustainable use that has been adjusted to these natural cycles can maintain the productive interplay
between water and nature on a lasting basis. It is only within the confines of this natural cycle that water
can be regarded as a “renewable resource”.
Agenda 21 states "Water is needed in all aspects of life. The general objective is to make certain that
adequate supplies of water of good quality are maintained for the entire population of this planet, while
preserving the hydrological, biological and chemical functions of ecosystems, adapting human activities
within the capacity limits of nature and combating vectors of water-related diseases. The multisectoral
nature of water resources development in the context of socio-economic development must be
recognized, as well as the multi-interest utilization of water resources for water supply and sanitation,
agriculture, industry, urban development, hydropower generation, inland fisheries, transportation,
recreation, low and flat lands management and other activities" .
i. Water supply: vital element for food
The most essential food services delivered by freshwater systems is the provision of water supply. On
the one hand, water is vital to human beings as drinking water. As such it is part of food. On the other
hand, water is essential for washing and cooking the food items that have to be processed. Moreover,
water has become a key element of agriculture. Food production would not have reached the levels it
has achieved without significant progress in irrigating agricultural land. The agrarian sector highly
depends on freshwater availability and quality. With the development of industrialized agriculture, water
consumption for irrigation purposes has drastically increased. Water has become the major limiting
factor in food production as will be detailed in chapter IV.
ii. Freshwater habitats as a source of protein
Freshwater systems provide habitats for fish and other aquatic species, which are food resources for
billions of people. Indeed, in many countries and regions, fish capture from freshwater systems is one of
the main sources of protein. This especially concerns the most deprived groups of the population. For
instance, the FAO reports that inland fisheries yield three-quarters of the animal protein for poor families
in Malawi. In Zambia, fish is also the first source of animal protein, and plays a fundamental role in the
nutrition of lower-income groups. Finally, the FAO observes that fish represents the single most
important source of animal protein for the Ugandan population. 6
In addition to human food, fish is also used for animal feed, which in turn provides humans with animal
proteins.
iii. Other vital services for human life
Freshwater systems have regenerative capacities as ecological sinks for human wastes. Thanks to the
oxygen it contains, moving surface water (and especially rivers) has the ability to dilute, process and
clean dumped wastes.
Freshwater is a key element of human economic and industrial activity: Most industrial processes use
water as an input. Rivers are important for the transportation of raw materials and other goods. Finally,
FIAN International 104
June 2002