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The
Ministerial Declaration of The Hague on Water Security in
the 21st Century was the start of a long-term political commitment
to solving global water issues in developing collaboration
and partnerships and building a secure and sustainable water
future.To those ends the contribution of society as a whole
is required.
The
Ministers stressed the necessity to work togehter with other
stakeholders to develope a stronger water culture through
greater awarness and commitment to identify best practices,
based on enhanced research and knowledge generation capacities,
knowledge dissemination through education and other channels
and knowledge sharing between individuals, institutions and
societies at all appropriate levels.
COMEST,
UNESCO proposed to sponsor a global Research an Ethical Network
(RENEW), which will identify and endorse examples of best
practice in all aspects of freshwater use. The organisations
so recognized will be invited to participate in the Network,
where collaboration and cross-fertilisation willl be fostered
among members. This proposal is made in the conviction that
there will be benefit to humanity by bringing to the fore
the best exponents in various water related disciplines.
The
concerns of the research members of RENEW will range from
science and engineering to the social science, education and
training. Links with industry, agriculture and other water
users must be forged at all levels; industry , in particular,
will be encouraged to apply for membership. A primary goal
is to promote public awareness, education relating to water
conservation and protection, and dissemination of knowledge
and information about reserach findings and methodology to
improve freshwater quality, as well as on best practices and
technology. Special attention will be paid to the role of
women as decision-makers and managers in acquiring and using
water.
It
is anticipated that this initiative will attract national
and international funding and support from governments, agencies,
industry and universities that acknowledlge the benefits to
be derived from recognition as members of the network.
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