by Silas Dunn

Created on: March 14, 2009   Last Updated: March 20, 2009

On March 22, 2009, "Shared Water - Shared Opportunities" is the theme for World Water Day. This year the focus is on transboundary water. There are 263 water sources shared by bordering states and countries around the world. All of these rivers, lakes and underwater reservoirs have the potential to strain relations and cause conflicts which can escalate to violence. They are also opportunities for cooperation and strengthening relations by sharing ideas and technologies solving critical problems together. For many people living in areas where water is scarce and sharing is critical, this is a very important issue.

World Water Day is a call to those who may not be in a water crisis to be aware of the importance of conserving water even when it is plentiful. Furthermore, to acknowledge that over a billion people need access to safe water. World Water Day is a day to spread awareness about the transboundary related problems that are increasing with an increase in population and a greater demand for water. An important issue to those who do not have adequate access to water . It is also important everyone who uses water understand it is not an inexhaustible resource. Two of the most important goals are public awareness and finding solutions to the world's water crisis.

UN-Water is engaged in work related to water and sanitation they have established four areas of focus:

1. Coordination and coherence among UN-Water members and partners at all levels

2. Monitoring and reporting progress towards water-related MDGs and JPOI targets

3. Communication and advocacy

4. Addressing emerging trends and challenges

Its goals are to provide a mechanism for coordinating the work of UN system agencies and programs and to contribute to the achievement of global water- and sanitation-related targets. Giving emphasis to the targets of the Millennium Development Goals.

A more detailed outline of goals can be found here:unwater.

This year's lead UN agencies are the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE). Events planned by these agencies for World Water Day 2009 are aimed at resolving transboundary water problems and conflicts as well as water management, conservation and sustainability.

You can find over one hundred events happening with detailed information and contacts at the World Water Day eventscalender. All of the events below are set for 22, March 2009.

Shared Water - Shared Opportunities: River Drina between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Republic of Serbia

The Detroit Yacht Club Grand Open House: Detroit, Michigan, USA

Dinner and a Movie - In celebration of World Water Day, an award-winning water documentary will be featured, followed by a forum. - Palm Springs, California, 92264 USA

''Our NileOur Life'' - British University, Egypt

Ok Clean Water Project - Ottawa, Canada & Kumbo, Cameroon, Africa

World Water Day Celebration - Karlstad, Sweden

Here are some links for more information:

World Water Day official website.

Water for life, 2005-2015 website.

Wikipedia World Day for Water website.

UNESCO.ORG website.

UN.ORG World Water Day website.

Centers for Disease Control website.

The United Nations World Water Development Report.

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