On Friday 20 March, the European Commission opened a call for experts to form the ‘Water Resilience Stakeholder Forum’.
This initiative will support the implementation of the European Water Resilience Strategy and contribute to creating a sustainable, smart, competitive and resilient water economy on the continent (see EUROPE 13769/17).
The platform will serve as a forum for dialogue and expertise to achieve three main objectives: restore and protect the water cycle, build a “water-smart” economy, and ensure access to clean and affordable water for all. It will bring together up to 60 members for a five-year term. Applications are open until 17 April.
World Water Day, celebrated on Sunday 22 March, is a reminder of the urgent need for Europe to strengthen its water resilience. “Collective action and inclusive governance are crucial to guarantee safe and equitable access to water for all”, stressed the Commissioner for Environment, Jessika Roswall, in a statement (https://aeur.eu/f/la7 ).
Climate change, overexploitation of resources and pollution are putting water security at risk. More frequent droughts and floods, melting glaciers and shifting rainfall patterns are intensifying these pressures.
Water is also becoming a geopolitical issue and a source of international tension, according to the Commission.
Against this backdrop, it is more crucial than ever to drive forward the European Strategy. It aims to protect freshwater ecosystems, improve water-use efficiency and accelerate innovation and investment in sustainable resource management.
Further details: https://aeur.eu/f/la6 (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)