This report shows that there is a way forward for a more sustainable future where restoration of ecosystems, often in the green hills and watersheds surrounding cities, can provide cheaper, efficient and resilient water supply systems in a changing world.

“With global action and positive momentum towards improving access to safe water and sanitation, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the UN Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT), and the UN Secretary General’s Advisory Board on Water and Sanitation (UNSGAB), in partnership with the members of UN Water have collaborated to bring together their collective experience and expertise to bear on the challenges posed by illegal and unregulated wastewater.

Our knowledge of the oceans is increasing rapidly, as more powerful tools for exploration and exploitation make it easier to locate valuable resources, such as fish stocks, oil and gas reserves, or sites for wind and hydropower schemes.

There is an increasing annual demand for water drawn from Asia’s international rivers for domestic, agricultural, industrial, and environment purposes. As a result, nations sharing river systems, lakes and aquifers are vulnerable to tensions and conflicts, which in many are intensified by climate variation and climate change. This report focuses on the challenges and opportunities facing Asia: a continent with intensively utilized groundwater and surface water resources.

Population growth, urbanisation and economic growth in general, all exert pressure on water resources through increased demand and pollution. This 57 page summary with CD-ROM provides the status of water resources across the continents of Africa and Asia for major rivers, lakes and groundwater basins. The joint Africa-Asia study is intended for managers, planners and other key decision-makers in water resources management and governments.

This publication highlights the link between rain-water harvesting, ecosystems and human well being and draws the attention of readers to both the negative and positive aspects of using this technology and how the negative benefits can be minimized and positive capitalized.

The main problem in North America is the location of water resources relative to large population centers where the majority of the freshwater drains away from the bulk of the population. Climate variability and change is a reality. It raises the impact on variability and availability within the continent, which is characterized by its different climatic regions.

The hydro-vulnerability of Europe is governed by the institutions created to resolve transboundary water issues in a cooperative manner that attempts to prevent potential conflict.

Despite the central role oceans play in the economic, environmental and social affairs of the planet's 6.7 billion inhabitants, significant gaps exist in our understanding and management of the complex processes at work from the global climate system, to the water cycle and circulation of nutrients, to changes affecting marine habitats. In addition, the vastness of the world's oceans
have for far too long been perceived as impervious and indestructible to human impact.

This handbook was conceived as a practical tool to be used by decision- makers and practitioners in both tourism sector and ICZM (Integrated Coastal Zone Management).

This is a compilation of relevant practices of dealing with environmental and social issues during the planning, design and management of dams. It is designed as an informative learning tool for decision-makers and technical practitioners.