MDG 6: sustainable management of water resources

Goal 6 of the United Nations' 2030 Agenda aims to ensure universal access to safe drinking water and sanitation, improve the sustainable management of water resources and protect aquatic ecosystems. Despite the progress made in recent years, access to drinking water and sanitation remains a global challenge. According to the World Health Organization and UNICEF, some 2.2 billion people worldwide will not have access to safely managed drinking water in 2020, while 4.2 billion will not have access to safely managed sanitation facilities. Lack of access to safe drinking water and sanitation has serious consequences for health, education, gender equality and economic development.

Goal 6 of the United Nations 2030 Agenda includes a number of specific targets aimed at guaranteeing access to drinking water and sanitation for all, improving the sustainable management of water resources and protecting aquatic ecosystems. Among the most important targets are Target 6.1, which aims to ensure universal and equitable access to safe drinking water by 2030, and Target 6.2, which aims to ensureadequate and equitable access to sanitation and hygiene for all by the same year, ending open-air needs. In addition, target 6.3 aims to improve water quality to reduce pollution by minimising discharges of chemicals and hazardous materials, halving the percentage of untreated wastewater and increasing recycling and safe reuse worldwide.

Goal 6 of the UN 2030 Agenda also includes target 6.4, which aims to significantly increase water use efficiency in all sectors and secure freshwater withdrawals and supplies to cope with water scarcity, by 2030. The aim is to significantly reduce the number of people suffering from water scarcity, which is expected to increase due to climate change and population growth. In addition, Target 6.5 aims to implement integrated water management at all levels, including through cross-border cooperation where appropriate. This involves sustainably managing water resources, taking into account all uses and environmental, social and economic impacts. Cross-border cooperation is seen as the key to addressing common water challenges and ensuring equitable and sustainable management of water resources.

Objective 6.6 aims to protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including mountains, forests, rivers, aquifers and lakes. The protection of aquatic ecosystems is essential to ensure the supply of good quality water, the conservation of biodiversity and the reduction of the risk of water-related disasters. However, aquatic ecosystems are subject to many pressures, including pollution, habitat loss, overexploitation of water resources and climate change. In order to protect aquatic ecosystems, it is necessary to adopt an integrated and sustainable approach to water management, taking into account the interconnections between water uses and environmental, social and economic impacts. In addition, it is necessary to involve local communities and promote cross-border cooperation to address common challenges related to water and ecosystem management

In order to achieve the objectives of Goal 6 of the 2030 Agenda, more investment and attention must be paid to critical issues related to access to drinking water and sanitation. The lack of data on the state of health of water bodies and the absence of effective national policies are a challenge to be addressed. In addition, it is necessary to promote cross-border cooperation for the integrated management of water resources and to ensure the efficient use of water in all sectors. Only an integrated and shared strategy can guarantee universal access to drinking water and sanitation and protect water resources for the future.

A number of technological innovations and sustainable practices can contribute to the sustainable management of water and sanitation. For example, the use of innovative technologies such as soil moisture sensors can help to control crop irrigation more effectively and reduce water wastage. In addition, the adoption of low-cost water filtration systems can ensure access to drinking water in remote and disadvantaged areas. Wastewater treatment technologies, such as phytodepuration, provide a sustainable, low-cost alternative to traditional wastewater treatment plants. Finally, sustainable practices such as precision farming and the use of organic fertilisers can help to reduce water pollution and improve water quality.

The sustainable management of water resources and sanitation is a global challenge that requires concrete and innovative action at international and local level. Cross-border cooperation and the involvement of local communities are essential to guarantee access to drinking water and sanitation for all, as well as to protect water-related ecosystems. At 3Bee, we do not intervene on all the targets of the SDGs, but we do support companies that need a data-driven approach and that are committed to raising awareness. Although we do not intervene directly on target 6 of the SDGs, we are committed to raising awareness of the importance of ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water resources and sanitation for all. Contact us to find out how we can help your business design sustainability and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.