The UN Commission on Sustainable Development at its 13th Session (CSD-13) in 2005 called on Governments and the UN System to take actions related to water resources management and decided to monitor and follow-up the implementation of decisions in 2012.

Rio+20 marks 20 years after the Rio Earth Summit, 10 years after the Johannesburg Summit and 40 years after the Stockholm Conference. The Rio+20 Summit thus provides a unique opportunity to strengthen the commitment from Governments and the international community to promote and implement integrated approaches to the sustainable management of water resources, as called for in Rio 1992 (Chapter 18 of Agenda 21) and in Johannesburg 2002 (the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation).

The UN-Water Status Report on the Application of Integrated Approaches to the Development, Management and Use of Water Resources was launched on 19 June at the Rio+20 Conference Water Day.

The report shows Over 80 percent of countries have reformed their water laws in the past twenty years as a response to growing pressures on water resources from expanding populations, urbanization and climate change.In many cases, such water reforms have had positive impacts on development, including improvements to drinking water access, human health and water efficiency in agriculture.

At the same time, global progress has been slower where irrigation, rainwater harvesting and investment in freshwater ecosystem services are concerned.

64% of countries have developed integrated water resources management plans and 34% report an advanced stage of implementation. However, progress appears to have slowed, or even regressed, in low and medium Human Development Index (HDI) countries since the last survey carried out in 2008. Much remains to be done to finance and implement plans in many HDI countries.

The report is based on the analysis of data from a questionnaire-based global survey assessing the progress and outcomes of the application of integrated approaches to the development, management and use of water resources. 133 countries responded to the survey. The global questionnaire was complemented by an interview-based survey in 30 representative countries. It includes lessons learned and recommendations, as well as focus areas for action. The report also provides guidance for establishing a regular international monitoring and reporting framework to promote sustainable development and management of water resources.

The UN-Water Status Report is available: http://www.unwater.org/downloads/UNW_status_report_Rio2012.pdf T

UN-Water is currently composed of representatives of 30 United Nations organizations. United Nations organizations include those responsible for major funds and programs, specialised agencies, regional commissions, United Nations conventions and other entities within the UN system. Other organizations outside of the United Nations are partners to UN-Water.

http://www.unwater.org/downloads/UNW_brochure_EN_webversion.pdf