Freshwater is of undeniable importance in supporting human and ecosystem health, but the quality of the source water is often undervalued or neglected.
To address these challenges, UNEP adopts a comprehensive approach to managing water quality through:
→ Providing evidence-based data to inform effective water quality management and policy decisions.
→ Being custodian for SDG indicator 6.3.2 on ambient water quality.
→ Collaborating across sectors to ensure the sustainable stewardship of water resources and their protection.
→ Mainstreaming Citizen Science and empowering communities to actively participate in water quality monitoring and improvement.
→ Supporting stakeholders through Capacity development to track water quality and take appropriate action.
→ Supporting countries in resolving water quality challenges, promoting a healthier and more sustainable future for all.
→ Foster multi-stakeholder engagement to develop dedicated expertise
→ Co-leading the UN-Water Expert group on water quality and wastewater issues, with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the World Health Organization.
The work of UNEP on water quality is led by the GEMS/Water and WWQA workstreams.
