United Nations headquarters building, New York City, New York State, United States of America
On September 15, 2015, humanity signed the 2030 Agenda. 193 countries committed at the United Nations to meet 17 Goals and 169 Targets for 2030 that can be summarized as:
“Banish hunger and poverty from the world, fight inequality and injustice, and protect the planet.”
In the history of humanity, water has been one of the keys to our development and evolution. Water is at the heart of sustainable development and is fundamental for socioeconomic development, healthy ecosystems, and people’s quality of life. As this text suggests, water is closely linked to each of the objectives of the 2030 agenda.
Water’s unique role as a cross-cutting resource makes it indispensable for achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). While SDG 6 directly addresses clean water and sanitation, water’s impact extends far beyond this single goal. It sustains life, drives economic growth, supports ecosystems, and underpins global efforts to end poverty, hunger, and inequality.
No other resource connects all 17 SDGs as comprehensively as water. Its availability and management influence agriculture, health, education, gender equality, climate action, and biodiversity. Inadequate access to clean water and sanitation hinders progress in nearly every area of development, while sustainable water solutions have the power to unlock advancements across all goals.
By recognizing water’s interconnected role, we can address complex challenges with integrated strategies that amplify impact, ensuring that progress in one area catalyzes benefits in others. Water is not just a target—it is the foundation upon which the entire 2030 Agenda is built.
In this article, we do not aim to promote water reuse or desalination alone but rather to emphasize water’s role as the glue that holds the 17 SDGs together. However, when the natural water cycle is insufficient to meet humanity’s needs, these alternative sources become indispensable.
About 10% of the world’s population lives in extreme poverty, with almost no access to water and sanitation (SDG 6). Access to clean water and sanitation is crucial to achieving SDG 1 (No Poverty), as it directly impacts health, education, and economic productivity. Throughout history, the regions that have successfully eradicated poverty have done so by harnessing and managing their water resources effectively. Water is not just a resource; it is the cornerstone of development and prosperity.
Investing in clean water infrastructure and improving access to water can have transformative economic and social benefits. These investments not only reduce poverty but also improve health outcomes (SDG 3) by preventing waterborne diseases, which disproportionately affect vulnerable populations. Additionally, access to clean water empowers women and girls (SDG 5), who often bear the burden of fetching water in rural areas, freeing up their time for education and productive activities, and fostering gender equality.
Technological advancements in water purification, such as desalination and wastewater reuse, have revolutionized our ability to provide ultrapure water from diverse sources, including the sea. By mimicking nature’s methods in a competitive, reliable, and sustainable way, these innovations ensure water abundance, even in regions facing severe scarcity. This supports not only poverty reduction but also sustainable agricultural production (SDG 2) by providing water for irrigation in drought-prone areas.
Moreover, clean water infrastructure drives decent work and economic growth (SDG 8) by creating jobs in construction, maintenance, and water management. These projects also align with responsible consumption and production (SDG 12) by ensuring efficient water use and reducing waste. Integrating renewable energy (SDG 7) into water systems further enhances sustainability, reducing the environmental impact of water production and distribution.
Access to clean water is also essential for reducing inequalities (SDG 10), as it ensures that marginalized communities have the same opportunities for health, education, and economic development as more privileged groups. By fostering peace and stability through equitable resource distribution, water infrastructure investments contribute to SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).
Ultimately, clean water serves as a foundation for breaking the cycle of poverty. By addressing SDG 1 through sustainable and inclusive water solutions, we can replicate the success of historical regions and create ripple effects across all SDGs, ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of a just and equitable future.
One in every nine people worldwide does not have enough food to eat. Access to water (SDG 6) plays a crucial role in achieving SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), as it is essential for agricultural production, food security, and nutrition. Without adequate water, it is impossible to sustain the agricultural systems needed to feed a growing global population.
Climate change (SDG 13) significantly impacts water resources, putting a strain on their availability, quality, and distribution, which in turn exacerbates food insecurity. Decentralized water management solutions, such as desalination and water reuse, are critical to addressing these challenges. These technologies provide alternative water sources in areas facing scarcity, reduce the pressure on existing freshwater resources, and enable the development of sustainable agricultural practices. By doing so, they ensure the resilience of food production systems in the face of changing environmental conditions.
Water reuse, for example, supports irrigation systems that conserve water while maintaining high agricultural yields. This approach not only promotes responsible consumption and production (SDG 12) by reducing water waste but also contributes to life on land (SDG 15) by minimizing the impact of agriculture on terrestrial ecosystems. Additionally, the use of desalinated water in arid regions fosters the development of local agriculture, creating opportunities for economic growth and decent work (SDG 8) in water-scarce areas.
Moreover, equitable access to water for agriculture helps reduce inequalities (SDG 10) by ensuring that marginalized communities, often disproportionately affected by water scarcity, can sustain their livelihoods. By providing reliable water resources for food production, these technologies also promote health and well-being (SDG 3) by improving nutrition and reducing hunger-related diseases.
The lack of access to clean water and sanitation (SDG 6) is a significant contributor to many health problems, such as waterborne diseases, which can severely impact the health and well-being of populations, particularly in developing countries. These challenges underscore the critical role of SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) in addressing water-related health issues. In addition, water scarcity can increase the risk of water-related conflicts, further damaging public health and overall quality of life, highlighting the importance of fostering peace and strong institutions (SDG 16) to ensure equitable water access.
Public health officials and governments must monitor water sources for contaminants of emerging concern and take steps to mitigate exposure where necessary, as the consequences of these contaminants remain uncertain. Advances in water management technologies, such as desalination and reuse, offer solutions through multi-barrier systems that effectively remove these contaminants. These innovations not only protect public health but also contribute to climate action (SDG 13) by ensuring sustainable and adaptive responses to emerging health risks driven by climate change.
Moreover, access to clean water directly supports gender equality (SDG 5), as women and girls often bear the responsibility of collecting water in developing regions, exposing them to additional health risks. By ensuring safe and nearby water sources, we reduce their exposure to diseases and free their time for education and economic opportunities, fostering quality education (SDG 4) and promoting decent work and economic growth (SDG 8).
Desalination and water reuse technologies not only remove harmful pathogens but also prevent pollutants from reaching aquatic ecosystems, supporting life below water (SDG 14) and life on land (SDG 15). Additionally, by ensuring reliable water sources for irrigation, these technologies contribute to food security (SDG 2), enabling healthier and more resilient agricultural practices that reduce malnutrition.
In the context of growing globalization, population growth, and climate change, waterborne diseases and other health risks are expected to increase. To mitigate these risks, sustainable and equitable water solutions are crucial. By integrating SDG 3 with other SDGs, such as SDG 6, SDG 13, and SDG 16, we can create a comprehensive framework to protect public health, ensure water security, and promote well-being for all.
Water and education are closely interconnected, as the lack of access to clean water and adequate sanitation facilities can have serious impacts on educational opportunities and outcomes. The lack of clean water and proper sanitation facilities in schools, along with inadequate infrastructure and resources, can have a detrimental effect on students’ health, attendance, and academic performance, which, in turn, results in a limited access to education.
Furthermore, we must educate the future generations about water-related issues. Much of the water problems that humanity is facing can be attributed to a lack of understanding among decision-makers. We must teach the next leaders to differentiate water by its quality and not by its source. They should also learn that the waste generated by the desalination process is no more than the same amount of original salts diluted in half the amount of water, a process similar to evaporation in the water cycle, and that water purified using a tertiary system can be purer than the most expensive brand of bottled water available in supermarkets.
“Education must reach every level of society to help differentiate water by its quality, not by its source. What matters is not where the water comes from, but the quality of the water we drink.”
Many decision-makers reject water recycling due to lack of knowledge, just as they reject desalination based on false beliefs, such as it being energy-intensive. Just to make a comparison with a common process, purifying a glass of water from seawater requires the same amount of energy as a Google search – about 0.0003 kWh of energy.
Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services have a disproportionate impact on women and girls’ lives in several key ways:
The path forward requires:
This issue is fundamental to achieving gender equity and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, as access to water and sanitation is a basic human right that significantly impacts women’s ability to participate fully in society.
Water and sanitation are at the core of sustainable development, and their services underpin poverty reduction, economic growth, and environmental sustainability. However, in recent decades, overexploitation, pollution, and climate change have led to severe water stress in locales worldwide.
Today, 2.2 billion people lack access to safely managed drinking water, and more than 4.2 billion lack safely managed sanitation. Climate change exacerbates the situation, with increasing disasters such as floods and droughts. Eighty percent of wastewater in the world flows back into the ecosystem without being treated or reused, and 70% of the world’s natural wetland extent has been lost, including a significant loss of freshwater species (UN).
Though it is estimated that about 15-20% of the world’s population lives in water-stressed regions and could benefit from desalination, several countries are still questioning the technology or its efficiency. Water reuse is not without challenges, including public perception and concerns about water safety, but scientific evidence shows that it, like desalination, is a safe water source; however, it still needs media support.
Energy and water are closely interlinked, and their sustainable use and management are crucial for a sustainable future. Energy is required to extract, transport, treat, purify, and distribute water, while water is needed to produce energy. To meet the growing demand for energy and water, adopting more sustainable and efficient practices is essential. This includes using renewable energy sources (SDG 7) such as solar, wind, hydrogen, and hydropower to produce energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It also includes adopting water-saving technologies, such as water reuse and desalination, to conserve water resources (SDG 6).
The integration of renewable energy in water management not only reduces the carbon footprint but also supports climate action (SDG 13) by promoting decarbonization across water-intensive processes. For example, renewable-powered desalination plants provide reliable water sources while minimizing emissions, making them a sustainable solution for water-scarce regions. These innovations foster resilience in communities vulnerable to climate change, ensuring access to water and energy for present and future generations.
Furthermore, sustainable energy and water practices play a vital role in reducing inequalities (SDG 10) by ensuring that marginalized communities have equitable access to both resources. Incorporating renewable energy into water infrastructure reduces dependency on fossil fuels, lowering costs and increasing accessibility for underserved regions. This approach also supports inclusive industrial growth (SDG 9) by enabling industries to operate sustainably without depleting or contaminating water resources.
The economic benefits of linking sustainable energy and water management extend to decent work and economic growth (SDG 8). By creating jobs in renewable energy and water management sectors, these initiatives contribute to local economies while promoting responsible consumption and production (SDG 12). Additionally, the adoption of these technologies can reduce water-related conflicts, supporting peace and strong institutions (SDG 16) by fostering equitable resource allocation.
Finally, sustainable energy and water solutions contribute to the conservation of ecosystems, both terrestrial and marine. By reducing the environmental impact of traditional energy and water practices, they align with SDG 15 (Life on Land) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water), ensuring that resource use does not compromise biodiversity or ecosystem health.
In essence, SDG 7 serves as a foundation for achieving broader sustainability goals. By integrating renewable energy and water-saving technologies, we create a synergistic framework where progress in energy efficiency drives advancements across multiple SDGs, fostering a sustainable, equitable, and resilient future.
Water is a critical component of SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and is vital in promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work opportunities. By ensuring access to clean water and improved sanitation (SDG 6), promoting sustainable water use and management in agriculture and industry, and supporting the growth of the water sector, it is possible to make significant progress toward SDG 8.
However, the lack of water poses a crucial challenge for achieving this goal, as it hinders economic growth and creates conflicts, particularly between industrial needs and community access to water (SDG 16). Sustainable water management is essential to resolving these tensions and ensuring that economic development does not come at the expense of local communities or ecosystems.
The European CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive) and CSDDD (Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive) are pivotal in addressing these challenges. These regulations emphasize not only environmental protection but also the improvement of labor conditions across global value chains. By holding industries accountable for their environmental and social impacts, they ensure that pollution and unfavorable labor conditions are no longer exported to developing countries. This drives the adoption of responsible and inclusive industrial practices (SDG 9) and promotes equity in the global economy.
These objectives can only be achieved in regions committed to sustainable and inclusive production. Industries that align with these principles contribute to water abundance (SDG 6) by adopting water-positive practices, fostering renewable energy use (SDG 7), and reducing inequalities (SDG 10) through equitable resource distribution and improved working conditions.
In this framework, sustainable production regions become catalysts for inclusive economic growth, creating decent work opportunities while maintaining environmental integrity and social equity. By embedding sustainability into the value chain, industries can drive progress on SDG 8 while building a resilient and just global economy that benefits all.
This goal aims to ensure access to safe and sustainable water for people and industries and to promote economic growth and development while protecting water-related ecosystems and preserving this precious resource for future generations. SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) also calls for building resilient and sustainable infrastructure and promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization. It recognizes the importance of research and innovation in finding lasting solutions to social, economic, and environmental challenges. These solutions, such as desalination and water reuse, are critical components for ensuring access to clean water and sanitation (SDG 6) for all.
The Water Positive initiative serves as a perfect catalyst for this goal, addressing the fact that 90% of global water consumption occurs in industrial activities. By creating abundance in water resources (SDG 6) through sustainable practices like water reuse and desalination, this initiative ensures that industries can generate more clean, fresh water as they operate, maintaining the balance between economic growth and resource sustainability. This approach supports the continuous activity of the economy while directly promoting decent work and economic growth (SDG 8) and fostering the adoption of renewable energy (SDG 7) in industrial processes.
Moreover, by generating clean water alongside industrial production, Water Positive contributes significantly to reducing poverty (SDG 1) and ending hunger (SDG 2) by ensuring that communities in water-scarce areas have access to vital resources. This balance between industry and water abundance forms the foundation of the Water Positive initiative, which aims to secure the availability of water for both industrial and community needs while safeguarding resources for future generations.
Promoting sustainable industrialization also helps reduce inequalities (SDG 10) by ensuring equitable access to water resources and avoiding conflicts over water allocation. In addition, innovations in water infrastructure supported by Water Positive contribute to restoring ecosystems (SDG 15 and SDG 14) and aligning industrial development with environmental preservation goals.
In essence, the Water Positive initiative exemplifies how innovation and infrastructure can create a harmonious relationship between industry and resource abundance, ensuring that economic progress today does not come at the expense of water security for future generations. By maintaining this balance, SDG 9 becomes a driver of sustainable and inclusive development across all SDGs..
The lack of access to clean water and sanitation significantly contributes to poor health (SDG 3), reduced economic productivity, and persistent inequality. Disparities in access to water and sanitation often fall along socioeconomic, gender (SDG 5), and geographic lines, exacerbating existing inequalities. SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) aims to address these disparities within and among countries. However, it is essential to recognize that we cannot speak of equality if access to water (SDG 6) is not guaranteed. Clean and adequate water is a fundamental prerequisite for reducing inequalities and promoting inclusion.
Desalination and water reuse technologies offer sustainable solutions to close this gap by creating water abundance, which is essential for fostering equality. These technologies not only ensure equitable water distribution but also generate inclusion across all other SDGs. For instance, reliable access to water improves health outcomes (SDG 3), empowers women and girls (SDG 5) by reducing the burden of water collection, and provides opportunities for decent work (SDG 8) in water management and related industries.
Abundant water resources, when responsibly managed, also support SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by ensuring that industrial water use does not compromise community access. This balance prevents resource-driven conflicts and promotes peace and stability (SDG 16). Moreover, integrating renewable energy (SDG 7) into water production ensures sustainability and reduces environmental impacts, making water solutions more accessible and equitable.
In essence, SDG 6 is foundational to achieving SDG 10 and beyond. Without water abundance and equitable access, true equality remains out of reach. By addressing water scarcity with innovative and sustainable solutions, we not only reduce inequalities but also create an inclusive framework for achieving all SDGs, demonstrating that water is the key to global harmony and progress.
A sustainable city meets the needs of its current residents without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. A sustainable city considers the economic, social, and environmental impacts of its development and strives to balance these three aspects in a sustainable way.
One of the critical components of this goal is to provide access to safe and adequate water, while aiming for inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities and human settlements. Safe and adequate water is essential for human health, food security, and economic development. Desalination and water reuse can reduce inequalities when it comes to access to water and promote sustainable development. Desalination is particularly important in areas where freshwater resources are limited or where there is a high demand for water due to population growth, economic development, and other factors. Water reuse can help conserve water resources, reduce the need for potable water supplies, save energy from water transportation, and avoid the pollution of freshwater sources.
Sustainable cities also play a critical role in promoting equality (SDG 5) and reducing inequalities (SDG 10) by ensuring equitable access to resources like water and sanitation for all residents. This requires integrating responsible consumption (SDG 12) practices into urban planning and fostering a culture of conservation through education (SDG 4). Education has been proven to reduce water consumption in cities, which directly impacts SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) by creating water abundance through savings and efficient resource use.
In a sustainable city, SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) becomes exponentially powerful, as it enables synergy among all SDGs. By fostering collaboration between governments, industries, and communities, cities can maximize the interconnected benefits of their actions. At the same time, we cannot envision a sustainable city without considering SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), as energy and water systems are deeply interdependent.
An inspiring example is CRAMSA , a startup in northern Chile that focuses on resource innovation in one of the driest regions in the world, Atacama Desert. Through desalination, Cramsa has developed a project that aligns perfectly with the concept of a catalytic community, where each action reinforces others, creating a self-sustaining system. In this vision, the first drop of desalinated water becomes the foundation for the 17 SDGs to thrive.
Cramsa’s project demonstrates how such a catalytic community can restore ecosystems (SDG 15 and SDG 14) while being strategically planned for abundance, ensuring there is no need to choose between water for people (SDG 6) or industry (SDG 9). This proactive planning prevents future conflicts (SDG 16) by addressing resource allocation from the outset.
The innovation in Cramsa’s approach reminds us that a well-planned, sustainable city is not merely a sum of its parts; it is an ecosystem where synergies multiply, creating a foundation for long-term prosperity, equity, and resilience. While it’s unnecessary to detail the rest of the SDGs, a sustainable city like this illustrates how integrated solutions can become a blueprint for global sustainability.
Water is a finite resource, and its availability and quality are increasingly threatened by overuse, pollution, and the impacts of climate change. SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) aims to ensure sustainable water use and management by promoting efficiency, reducing pollution, protecting water-related ecosystems, and improving the governance and management of water resources.
One crucial aspect of this goal is reducing the water footprint of production processes. Water-positive companies are leading the way by committing to reducing their water footprint and positively impacting water resources. These companies achieve this through practices like desalination and water reuse, which transform non-potable water into freshwater, mimicking the natural water cycle. By compensating or replacing freshwater consumption in industrial processes, these solutions directly address the water footprint while also contributing to SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation).
The Water Positive initiative exemplifies these efforts, leveraging evolving regulations such as the European CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive) and CSDDD (Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive). These frameworks promote transparency and accountability across the value chain, extending beyond carbon and water footprints to include broader environmental and social impacts. Such regulatory advancements drive companies toward sustainable practices that support responsible and dignified work (SDG 8), while also fostering reduced inequalities (SDG 10) by ensuring fair resource distribution and equitable labor conditions.
Furthermore, these initiatives encourage the adoption of renewable energy sources (SDG 7), as companies increasingly compete not only on price but also on their environmental and social footprints. By prioritizing renewable energy in industrial operations and water treatment processes, companies contribute to decarbonizing their value chains while reducing dependency on non-renewable resources.
In this interconnected framework, addressing the water footprint through responsible consumption and production creates a ripple effect. It supports SDG 6, drives sustainable and equitable economic growth (SDG 8), reduces inequalities (SDG 10), and accelerates the shift to renewable energy (SDG 7). Together, these efforts lay the groundwork for a more just and sustainable global economy, demonstrating the essential role of water in achieving broader sustainability goals.
Water plays a critical role in achieving SDG 13 (Climate Action), which focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating the impacts of climate change. It is now well understood that climate change exacerbates water scarcity, water pollution, and the degradation of aquatic ecosystems. To address these challenges, it is essential to improve water management practices, invest in clean water and sanitation infrastructure, and adopt decentralized water production methods such as desalination and water reuse.
Water reuse is particularly impactful as it extends its benefits beyond SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation). For example, using treated wastewater for irrigation supports reforestation and sustainable agriculture, which play crucial roles in carbon sequestration by capturing COâ‚‚ through vegetation growth. This not only combats climate change (SDG 13) but also promotes food security (SDG 2) by increasing agricultural output in water-scarce regions.
In urban areas, the integration of water reuse in creating green spaces, such as parks, urban forests, and gardens, provides additional environmental and social benefits. These green spaces contribute to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by reducing urban heat island effects, lowering city temperatures, and improving air quality. Cooler urban environments require less energy for cooling, thus contributing to SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by reducing energy consumption and associated emissions.
Decentralized water production methods, such as desalination, further enhance climate resilience in regions with limited freshwater resources by providing reliable water supplies while reducing the carbon footprint associated with long-distance water transportation. These technologies also support the creation of sustainable ecosystems that integrate water management with climate action, urban planning, and agricultural development.
By connecting water reuse, decentralized water production, and sustainable urban planning, these practices simultaneously address SDG 2, SDG 6, SDG 11, SDG 12, and SDG 13, creating a comprehensive approach to combating climate change while fostering resilient, sustainable communities and ecosystems.
This goal seeks to promote the conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas, and marine resources to facilitate sustainable development. One aspect of SDG 14 addresses the issue of water pollution, which poses a significant threat to both marine ecosystems and human health. If we do not stop polluting our oceans, severe problems will affect every person and living creature on the planet. This includes the reduction of marine pollution and the impacts of ocean acidification (carbon pollution), ending overfishing, and conserving marine and coastal areas and ecosystems.
Desalination and water reuse are two approaches that can play a role in achieving this goal, as they reduce the carbon footprint of water transportation in remote areas. Moreover, today’s desalination technologies, such as PRONOE, Capture6 , and Carbon Blue, have the potential to positively impact the environment by removing CO₂ from the atmosphere while producing fresh water from the ocean. These technologies contribute to SDG 13 (Climate Action) by mitigating atmospheric CO₂ levels, directly improving ocean health. This is critical because the ocean and atmosphere are intrinsically connected through CO₂ concentrations, even if this relationship is not immediately visible. By enhancing the ocean’s health, we simultaneously support global efforts to combat climate change.
In the case of river water, technologies such as ultrafiltration, compared to conventional water treatment, could avoid the indiscriminate use of chemicals like aluminum chloride (PAC), thus preventing its toxicity to marine life. Water reuse, on the other hand, plays a dual role: it prevents pollutants from reaching the ocean, and it produces new, high-quality freshwater, directly addressing SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation). By reducing wastewater discharge and creating new water sources, these practices ensure the conservation of existing freshwater resources while supporting healthier marine ecosystems.
Together, desalination and water reuse are transformative tools that not only conserve water but also improve ocean health and contribute to a sustainable water cycle. These approaches foster resilience in marine ecosystems, mitigate climate change, and ensure equitable access to clean water for all. Through their interconnected impact, these technologies actively advance SDG 6, SDG 13, and SDG 14, paving the way for a more sustainable and balanced relationship between humanity and the environment.
The link between water and SDG 15 is critical, as water is essential for all life on land, including plants and animals. Maintaining the health of terrestrial ecosystems, such as forests, wetlands, and deserts, is crucial for preserving water resources and ensuring their sustainable use.
Water reuse and wastewater management play a vital role in achieving this goal; by treating and reusing wastewater, communities can reduce their reliance on freshwater resources, thereby reducing pressure on these ecosystems and protecting them from degradation. Effective wastewater management can also prevent land and water resources contamination, which can negatively impact biodiversity and ecosystem health.
The link between water and SDG 15 is critical, as water is essential for all life on land, including plants and animals. Maintaining the health of terrestrial ecosystems, such as forests, wetlands, and deserts, is crucial for preserving water resources and ensuring their sustainable use.
Water reuse and wastewater management play a vital role in achieving this goal; by treating and reusing wastewater, communities can reduce their reliance on freshwater resources, thereby reducing pressure on these ecosystems and protecting them from degradation. Effective wastewater management can also prevent land and water resources contamination, which can negatively impact biodiversity and ecosystem health.
In addition, soil moisture plays a critical role in supporting biodiversity and fostering ecosystem health. By maintaining proper soil moisture levels, ecosystems can sustain diverse plant and animal species, which, in turn, strengthens ecological resilience. Proper soil moisture also creates water abundance (SDG 6) by enhancing groundwater recharge through improved permeability in underground layers.
Moreover, healthy soil moisture levels contribute to carbon sequestration, as they promote vegetation growth, enabling plants to absorb COâ‚‚ from the atmosphere (SDG 13). This not only mitigates climate change but also helps restore degraded lands, creating opportunities for local agriculture (SDG 2). By supporting the cultivation of crops in previously unsuitable areas, it enhances food security and promotes sustainable livelihoods.
Healthy soil moisture further contributes to SDG 12 (responsible consumption and production) by reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and water-intensive irrigation methods, lowering the environmental footprint of agricultural practices. Additionally, this process supports SDG 15 by improving soil health, preventing erosion, and increasing the resilience of ecosystems against climate variability.
Altogether, preserving soil moisture and promoting sustainable water management practices have cascading benefits, enhancing biodiversity, enabling sustainable agriculture, and creating a more balanced and resilient environment for future generations.
The notions of peace, justice, and strong institutions are closely linked to water. Achieving peace and stability (SDG 16) is critical for ensuring access to water and other essential resources for all people. Access to water is often a source of conflict, particularly in regions with limited resources or rapidly growing populations. Addressing these conflicts through peaceful means and establishing strong institutions can help ensure equitable and sustainable access to water.
In areas with limited freshwater resources, desalination can provide a reliable water source, which reduces the likelihood of inter-community conflicts over water resources. The development of desalination technologies can also provide economic opportunities (SDG 8) and support sustainable development (SDG 12), which in turn contributes to the reduction of poverty (SDG 1) and inequality (SDG 10).
Conflicts over water, however, are not limited to disputes between countries or regions. They also arise between industrial usage and access to water for human consumption. The Water Positive initiative directly addresses this issue by promoting responsible industrial water use (SDG 12). Industries, which account for 90% of global water consumption, are encouraged to offset the water they use in goods or services to create abundance in water-scarce regions.
The majority of water-related conflicts in recent years have stemmed from this dynamic between industrial demands and community needs. A responsible industry (SDG 12) can help mitigate such conflicts, supporting peace, justice, and strong institutions (SDG 16) while also reducing inequalities (SDG 10) through innovation (SDG 9). By fostering sustainable practices and compensating for water use, these efforts drive progress toward peaceful coexistence and equitable resource distribution (SDG 16), ensuring that water scarcity does not become a barrier to global development.
The Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 17 emphasizes the importance of collaborative partnerships to tackle global challenges. In the context of water, a catalytic community emerges as a transformative model to address super-complex problems by uniting diverse actors and fostering innovative strategies.
As we have explored throughout this article, water is a transversal resource that connects and sustains all SDGs. Its influence extends across every aspect of sustainable development, making it a fundamental element for achieving the 2030 Agenda. In a catalytic community, this interconnectedness is amplified, enabling the goals to multiply their impact rather than merely add up, driving transformative and systemic change on a global scale.
As envisioned by Will Sarni and Tom Higley, a catalytic community is a collaborative ecosystem where multiple sectors work together to solve complex challenges. This approach does not replace traditional collective action models but enhances them, aligning diverse stakeholders toward transformative outcomes. It is a space where entrepreneurs, governments, multinational companies, and NGOs converge to innovate more efficiently and effectively.
“A catalytic community is a collaborative ecosystem where multiple sectors work together to solve complex challenges.”
One of the significant challenges in scaling these solutions is the ability to take risks, as innovative projects often face uncertainty. Additionally, the documentation and dissemination of knowledge generated in these processes remain limited, restricting collective learning. However, catalytic communities can overcome these barriers by creating dynamic ecosystems that share insights and adapt solutions to local contexts.
Water, as a cross-cutting resource for all SDGs, requires innovative and collaborative approaches to maximize its impact. Catalytic communities represent a unique opportunity to integrate diverse stakeholders, foster sustainable solutions, and generate global impact through local actions. Advancing these partnerships is essential for building a resilient and equitable future where water serves as the driver of sustainability.
This approach not only ensures progress on SDG 17 but also strengthens all goals, making water a catalyst for sustainable development.behind.#sustainabilitynbsp;#environmentnbsp;#economynbsp;#sdgs
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