C O N T E N T S - Physical Land Resources - Vrije Universiteit Brussel

WORLD DAY FOR WATER22 March 2008SanitationThe UN International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (http://www.unisdr.org/)and the World Meteorological Organization (http://www.wmo.ch/index-en.html) have beencharged with coordinating events on the day.Origin and purpose of World Day for WaterBackgroundThe United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution A/RES/47/193 of 22 February 1993 bywhich 22 March of each year would be declared World Day for Water, to be observed starting in1993, in conformity with the recommendations of the United Nations Conference on Environmentand Development contained in chapter 18 (Fresh Water Resources) of Agenda 21.States were invited to devote the Day, as appropriate in the national context, to concrete activitiessuch as the promotion of public awareness through the publication and diffusion of documentariesand the organization of conferences, round tables, seminars and expositions related to theconservation and development of water resources and the implementation of therecommendations of Agenda 21.ObjectivesWorld Day for Water is pivotal in focusing attention on the need, amongst others, to:* address the problems relating to drinking water supply* increase awareness about the importance of conservation, preservation, and the protectionof water resources and drinking water supply* increase governments, international agencies, non-governmental organizations, andprivate sector participation and cooperation in organization of WWD celebrations* increase participation and cooperation from government, international agencies, nongovernmentalorganizations and private sector practices in the organization of WWDcelebrationStrategiesThe following are suggested actions and activities that can be carried out at country level todevelop awareness campaigns in countries by government and their partners. The partnership- 81 -