109 - The News Single | AMMK
Marked March 22 - World Water Day and March 23 - International Meteorology Day
March 23, 2012
22.03.2012 - Under the motto Water and Safe Food, organized by the Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning and in coordination of activities also with other institutions, March 22 - World Water Day and March 23 - International Meteorology Day were marked. The central event was held in the new building of the Government of Kosovo, where representatives of the Government of Kosovo, representatives from Public Water Companies, representatives of Non-Governmental Organizations, as well as representatives from other institutions responsible in the field of water, were present.
On this occasion, the Deputy Minister of MMPH, Mr. Ilir Mirena, highlighted that Kosovo has limited water reserve resources and this creates the need for the sustainable use of these resources. The institutions of Kosovo, as well as the citizens in general, have an obligation to feel responsible for actions and activities related to water resources, in order to preserve, protect, and use them rationally. By taking these actions, the goal of having sufficient and quality water will be achieved. The Director of the Water Department at MMPH, Mr. Naser Bajraktari, listed some of the main activities, projects, and commitments of MMPH in improving the legal and strategic framework for water resource management.
The Director of the Hydrometeorological Institute of Kosovo, Prof. Dr. Sylë Tahirsylaj, recalled that on this occasion, March 23, the International Meteorological Day is also celebrated. In his speech, he referred mostly to the monitoring of water resources and the interconnection of meteorological aspects with the state of the waters. He also mentioned the achievements and challenges of this institute during its historical development in Kosovo. Thanking the EU donations amounting to 3 million euros, the Hydrometeorological Institute has been equipped with devices and instruments that have enabled all analyses of air, surface waters, groundwater, and soil to be carried out, he said, among other things.
March 22 has been declared as World Water Day by the United Nations General Assembly since 1992. This day is usually used to make appeals and send messages for the protection and conservation of water resources. Therefore, the Kosovo Environmental Protection Agency also joins the calls, efforts, and activities organized on this occasion worldwide with the aim of raising public awareness about the protection, preservation, and sustainable use of water resources. According to statistics, only 3% of the world's water is fresh, while 97% is found in seas and oceans. Only 1% of the water on land is drinkable. Currently, the situation in the water sector at the global level is quite concerning. According to data, 18% of the world's population do not have access to drinking water, and 40% do not have access to sewage services. Around
2 million children die every year as a result of the water crisis. It is estimated that in the coming years, especially in developing countries, the problem of water supply will deepen increasingly due to climate change and the growth of the global population. Therefore, urgent measures are required, such as increasing investments in water infrastructure, conserving water resources, and implementing water recycling schemes.