The problem
Accessible ground and surface waters are under severe stress around the globe. In many parts of the developing world, the goal to ensure food and water security in a sustainable way is being put at risk by deals targeting productive lands and their underlying water. In many arid and semi-arid regions, we see a process that can be framed as water grabbing: the increasing and generally unfair competition for scarce water resources.
Powerful actors – countries, companies & investors– are “grabbing” water resources that are already in use by local communities. Examples are large scale farms on rivers in Kenya, dams on the Niger River in Mali.
In many parts of the developing world, a natural healthy environment is often the key factor for survival of the poorer groups in society. Access to water in the form of natural streams, groundwater or lakes is often the key factor in this survival. Water grabbing is the problem of poor people losing access to free, fresh, clean water.
Setting up a campaign
Together with partners, Wetlands International is setting up a campaign to address water grabbing. We are looking for people around the globe to provide us with examples of water grabbing. We invite you to help us address this issue. Join us as an individual, NGO or scientist and provide your input, information and research. Leave a comment or send us a message.
Water grabbing at World Water Week
At World Water Week in Stockholm in August 2012 we hosted a water grabbing event. We invited participants to help define the problem, identify causes and drivers, and contribute solutions. View the fact sheet.
In this session we presented a case study on the water challenges related to ecosystems, health and livelihoods in the Inner Niger Delta. View the presentation.
Water grabbing - are developing countries facing a fight for fresh water?
At the World Water Forum in March 2012 we hosted a side event. View the presentations from the following panelists:
The problem
Accessible ground and surface waters are under severe stress around the globe. In many parts of the developing world, the goal to ensure food and water security in a sustainable way is being put at risk by deals targeting productive lands and their underlying water. In many arid and semi-arid regions, we see a process that can be framed as water grabbing: the increasing and generally unfair competition for scarce water resources.
Powerful actors – countries, companies & investors– are “grabbing” water resources that are already in use by local communities. Examples are large scale farms on rivers in Kenya, dams on the Niger River in Mali.
In many parts of the developing world, a natural healthy environment is often the key factor for survival of the poorer groups in society. Access to water in the form of natural streams, groundwater or lakes is often the key factor in this survival. Water grabbing is the problem of poor people losing access to free, fresh, clean water.
Setting up a campaign
Together with partners, Wetlands International is setting up a campaign to address water grabbing. We are looking for people around the globe to provide us with examples of water grabbing. We invite you to help us address this issue. Join us as an individual, NGO or scientist and provide your input, information and research. Leave a comment or send us a message.
Water grabbing at World Water Week
At World Water Week in Stockholm in August 2012 we hosted a water grabbing event. We invited participants to help define the problem, identify causes and drivers, and contribute solutions. View the fact sheet.
In this session we presented a case study on the water challenges related to ecosystems, health and livelihoods in the Inner Niger Delta. View the presentation.
Water grabbing - are developing countries facing a fight for fresh water?
At the World Water Forum in March 2012 we hosted a side event. View the presentations from the following panelists: