Statement by the Executive Secretary of SADC on World Water Day – 22 March 2018

Today, 22nd March 2018, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) joins the rest of the world in commemorating the World Water Day. The World Water Day, celebrated every year on 22 March, is about focusing attention on the importance of water. This year’s theme, ‘Nature for Water’, explores na­ture-based solutions (NBS) to the water challenges we face in the 21st century. It asks the pertinent question of: How can we reduce floods, droughts and water pollution by using the solutions, we already find in nature. Solutions inspired and supported by nature (“nature-based solutions”) use, or mimic, natural processes to address contemporary water management challenges, improve water security and deliver co-benefits, vital to all aspects of sustainable development.