On 23rd of August 2012 an online version of a short film released by the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the Republic of Korea’s Ministry of Environment emphasizes the significance of clean water, noting that the degradation of water quality threatens human lives and ecosystems by spreading waterborne diseases and causing radical declines in freshwater biodiversity, due to water pollution.
The film “Protecting Water Quality for People and the Environment” was officially launched at the 6th World Water Forum (Marseille, March 2012) and notifies that the economic cost of water pollution threatens sustainable development. Moreover examples of successful national efforts taken by UNESCO’s Member States to preserve clean water are also showcased. In addition, the film highlights agricultural pollutants, noting that agriculture is responsible for about 70% of water pollution and the emerging issue of pollution by pharmaceuticals and endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
The film aims to promote approaches and policies for sustainable water resources management and to contribute to education and public awareness on water issues. It proves that the clean water is essential to the integrity of biodiversity’s natural ecosystems. The film will be screened at major international water events.
Source: UNESCO, IISD Reporting Services
For Further Information:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=i5jGxO28Kw8
http://www.unesco.org/new/en/media-services/single-view/news/new_film_for_the_protection_of_worlds_freshwater/
http://biodiversity-l.iisd.org/news/film-highlights-biodiversity-loss-economic-and-health-consequences-of-water-pollution/
About the author
MEPIELAN Centre
MEPIELAN Centre is an international research, training and educational centre established by Professor Evangelos Raftopoulos at the Panteion University of Athens in 2008.
Before its establishment as a University Centre, MEPIELAN operated as a successful international research, training and informational programme (2002-2007) under the scientific direction of Professor Evangelos Raftopoulos and the aegis of the Panteion University of Athens, supported by the Mediterranean Action Plan/UNEP and the Greek Ministry of the Environment, Physical Planning and Public Works.
MEPIELAN Centre is an accredited UNEP/MAP PARTNER (since 2013), a Member of the Mediterranean Commission on Sustainable Development (MCSD) (since 2016), and a Member of the Steering Committee of the MCSD (since 2019).
On 22 May 2022, MEPIELAN Centre proceeded to the development of MEPIELAN as a Non- Profit Civil Organization (INGO) for the more effective and efficient advancement of its Goals and Missions and furtherance of its activities. MEPIELAN Centre as a Non- Profit Civil Organization (INGO) is registered in Greek Law (Hellenic Business Registry, Reg. No. 16477300100) in accordance with Laws 4072/2012 & 4919/2022 as applicable
