Activities Report 1999 July Newsletter
Theme from MNS World Environment Day: Water – Precious
and Finite
With the global population growth and rapid economic
development, much of the world’s natural resources are being depleted at
an unsustainable rate. One of these resources is WATER. Previously seen
as an infinite renewable resource, the situation is now reversed: WATER
is a Precious and Finite resource, which requires urgent attention to ensure
sustainable use.
The Malaysian Nature Society has consistently
advocated a comprehensive range of measures to be introduced to ensure
sustainable water resources management. Whilst various measures have been
announced recently, an integrated approach is needed. The emphasis in general
has been on supply management. This is doubtless important but it is equally
important to target demand man-agement. Additional supply sources are now
being planned and implemented independently of a concerted effort to manage
demand. Experience in a neighbouring country has shown that effective demand
management will moderate and even reduce the need for additional supply
sources.
It is imperative that an integrated approach
encompasses these key issues:
-
Water demand management through a series of measures including education,
planning,
incen-tives for water saving devices, pricing regime to reduce excessive
consumption and wastage.
-
Water supply management, which is more effective through rigorous protection
of water catchment areas, an urgent programme to minimize leakages and
strict enforcement of river pollution control measures.
-
Comprehensive planning to enable sustainable use in river basins and better
resource matching in development planning to relieve demand in high growth
areas.
MNS welcomes the establishment of the National
Water Council, which can play a leading role in integrated water resources
management for the nation. MNS will play its part to provide input to the
Council in planning effective policies and measures to achieve sustainable
use of water resources. This is in addition to our present efforts through
public awareness programmes and Environmental Education modules, which
the Society conducts regularly.
Hopefully, with everyone in every level
of society playing a part, the next War will never be fought over WATER.
Kuala Lumpur, 5 June 1999
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Created on 30th June 1999