Improving national capabilities for the protection of water quality

This strategy features in the framework of Agenda 21 as formulated at UNCED (Rio de Janeiro, 1992), now coordinated by the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development and implemented through national and local authorities.

1. The effective protection of water resources and ecosystems from pollution requires considerable upgrading of most countries' present capacities. Water-quality management programmes require a certain minimum infrastructure and staff to identify and implement technical solutions and to enforce regulatory action. One of the key problems now and for the future is the sustained operation and maintenance of these facilities. In order not to allow resources gained from previous investments to deteriorate further, immediate action is required in a number of areas.

1. Strengthening local authority capabilities on water protection
2. Protecting water quality

1. Protecting aquatic ecosystems

1. Improving national capabilities for monitoring wastes

1. Setting objectives for water quality improvement

1. Quality
2. Protection
3. Overprotectiveness