Water

Access to water, sanitation, and a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment are internationally recognised human rights that are universal, inalienable, indivisible, and interdependent.

But the global water demand is eight times higher than it was 100 years ago – and keeps growing. At the same time, climate change is altering its availability over the year and across regions. Already, 2.3 billion people live in water-stressed countries. A further four billion experience severe scarcity at least one month every year. Too much, too little, or too dirty water is becoming everybody’s problem.

This is not just an ecological and economic crisis – this is an equity and governance crisis. We must adapt the way we use water and share the benefits and burdens of its management. We must look at water in its entirety, in terms of use but also how its pollution affects the environment.

As our world becomes thirstier and more polluted, water governance reform becomes a priority. We must ensure a sustainable water resource base and avoid unacceptable water-related risks.

This is not just an ecological and economic crisis – this is an equity and governance crisis. We must adapt the way we use water and share the benefits and burdens of its management. We must look at water in its entirety, in terms of use but also how its pollution affects the environment.

Our ambition is water security for all – including the natural world. We focus on equity: between people, current and future generations, and humans and the environment.

We take a holistic and inclusive approach to water based on a water cycle perspective and water-related human rights, and consider four dimensions in our programming:

1. Water use: The quantity, quality, accessibility, and reliability of water for different uses

2. Water pollution: The ability to live hygienically and in a clean environment

3. Hazards and risks: Protection of people from the most severe water-related risks

4. Water resource security: In terms of quantity, quality, and reliability of water bodies on which people rely.

SNV works with all stakeholders – in their respective roles – to realise gradual improvements in water management and governance. We interlink government, private sector, and civil society actors – so that they can develop a system with the right checks and balances together, enabling responsible water use that is governed sustainably and equitably.

Download SNV in water brochure