Annually, World Water Day brings attention to vital water issues, with this year’s theme, “Water for Peace,” emphasizing water’s pivotal role in global stability and prosperity. It urges collective action to prevent water loss and waste, recognizing the indispensable nature of safe freshwater for all life forms. Despite lacking in nutrition and calories, fresh water is essential for both living and non-living entities. Currently, numerous regions face water scarcity, leading to potential waterborne disease outbreaks affecting nearly half of the global population by 2025. The United Nations forecasts that by 2050, 3.5 billion individuals in developing countries could confront water shortages.
Presently, over a billion people worldwide lack access to safe drinking water, impacting their health, education, and livelihoods. Additionally, 2.3 billion lack proper sewage systems, prompting the UN General Assembly to designate 2018-2028 as a decade for sustainable water resource development. Factors contributing to freshwater scarcity include climate change, global warming, environmental degradation, inadequate infrastructure, improper waste disposal, and freshwater pollution.
Addressing these challenges requires systematic rainwater harvesting, reforestation to facilitate groundwater replenishment, the construction of reservoirs and sewage systems, and improved waste management. Myanmar, ranked eighth in global freshwater extraction, benefits from abundant natural water resources such as the Ayeyawady, Chindwin, Sittoung, and Thanlwin rivers. Urban residents consume approximately 30 gallons of water daily, while rural residents use around 15 gallons, underscoring the importance of responsible water usage.
Efforts to conserve freshwater resources necessitate citizen participation in preventing pollution and promoting proper waste management. This involves avoiding water contamination with chemicals like mercury and cyanide and implementing effective sewage treatment measures.
Prioritizing water conservation is crucial for global peace, stability, and prosperity. Through sustainable practices and increased awareness, communities can ensure a sustainable future. Let us unite in our efforts to preserve every drop of water and build a prosperous society for generations to come.
That is why all people in Myanmar have to participate in the freshwater resource conservation process. They all have to avoid blocking the proper flow of water in creeks, rivers, and other natural water areas, as well as the undisciplined disposal of chemicals such as mercury and cyanide, personal and family waste, and sewage from industrial zones. Authorities have to raise public awareness for protecting natural water sources in order to sustain drinking and agricultural water for the society of Myanmar in the long term.
