Tomorrow is World Water Day

World Water Day celebrations will be held at Port Moresby Grammar School tomorrow.

Department of  Environment and Conservation Secretary Dr Warilea Iamo (pictured) has invited relevant State agencies and major water industries to participate in WWD celebrations spearheaded by DEC.

Elsewhere, Waterboard will hold celebrations in Popondetta while Eda Ranu will mark the day in Port Moresby.

Dr Iamo said he envisaged coordination and collaboration among different stakeholders to inform policy makers and the general public about water quality challenges faced today and years to come "as PNG is undergoing rapid development accompanied by population growth and climate change, which poses significant threats on human lives and the environment".

"I understand that certain sectors use more water, while others use less water and yet generate more wastewater," he said.

"I wish to stress that accusations over whom, when and where these challenges occur should rather be avoided, as we maintain focus on preventing, or mitigating these challenges.

"I strongly believe it should be in our collective interest to coordinate among all stakeholders to address these challenges, in order for our vast water resources to be replenished for the benefit of all, including our future generations."

Dr Iamo said as head of DEC, he wanted to invite relevant stakeholders whose activities revolved water resources to participate in observing this year's WWD.

"Each stakeholder has been given opportunity to showcase their efforts in addressing water quality challenges from their own perspective and interests," he said.

"May I take this opportunity to thank those stakeholders who have expressed interest and made commitments by responding to my call in pledging their support to this cause.

"I wish you all successful WWD-2010 celebrations and a clean and healthy future for PNG.

WWD was declared under the auspiciousness of the United Nations in 1992 by the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in Rio de Janeiro, which is observed around the World on March 22 each year.

The Global Theme for this year's WWD is "Communicating water quality challenges and opportunities".

"The United Nation's overall goal of WWD March 22, 2010 is to raise the profile of water quality at the political level, so that water quality considerations are made alongside those of water quantity," Dr Iamo said.

"The DEC captured both the global and Pacific themes and adopted a national theme: 'Communication Challenges and Opportunities-Safe Water for a Healthy Papua New Guinea'."