World Water Day message - ‘Nature can help us find solutions to our water problems’ |22 March 2018
“Nature can help us in finding solutions to our water problems. Green infrastructure and nature-based solutions have the potential to solve many of the water challenges we are facing today.”
This remarks comes in a message from the Minister for Environment, Energy and Climate Change, Didier Dogley, on the occasion of World Water Day today.
Minister Dogley’s message reads:
“March 22nd is recognised by the United Nations as World Water Day. This event is being commemorated worldwide to focus attention on the importance of freshwater and advocate for the sustainable management of freshwater resources. The theme for this year is: ‘Nature for Water’ - exploring nature-based solutions to meet the water challenges we face in the 21st century.
“Water covers 97% of planet Earth but only 3% of it is freshwater. This freshwater is stored in lakes, rivers, glaciers and also underground. Fresh and clean water is an essential element for human health, well-being and prosperity. It is unfortunate that globally many freshwater sources are already unusable because of pollution. According to the United Nations, over 663 million people globally are without access to clean potable water.
“In Seychelles we are fortunate because Government believes that access to clean and affordable water in adequate amounts is a fundamental human right. Government is committed to providing access to clean and treated water at affordable prices to everyone. Presently, about 98% of all households on Mahé, Praslin and La Digue are connected to the PUC treated water distribution network. By 2020, it is expected that over 99% of all households in Seychelles will have access to affordable and clean drinking water.
“Like many other countries, Seychelles is dependent on rainfall for its freshwater. Annually, we receive an average of over 2,000 mm of rain, which feeds the catchments and rivers, and recharges the ground water. The rain water is captured through reservoirs and dams before being treated and is then distributed through the water distribution network to our taps.
“In comparison with other Small Island Developing States our water consumption is relatively high. We consume 11.4 billion litres of water annually, which translates to an equivalent of 43,000 m³ of water daily. Every day we consume almost as much water as can be stored by Rochon Dam at full capacity (45,000 m³). This high demand for water is driven by the growing population and by changes in our lifestyle - as well as by economic growth, predominantly in the tourism, manufacturing and agricultural sectors. Our water demand is expected to increase by 5% annually. It is clear that we need to improve the management of this important natural resource.
“With ongoing environmental challenges such as pollution, uncontrolled abstraction and illegal encroachment in the watersheds our natural freshwater supplies are being threatened. With the onset of climate change the current situation is expected to be exacerbated. Experts have predicted major changes in rainfall patterns, with pronounced drought being a common occurrence. This is already happening in southern Africa - with Cape Town being a clear warning of things to come. Given that we are reliant on rainfall, climate change will significantly affect water that naturally flows in our streams and recharges our groundwater storage systems.
“Due to high demand, coupled with the ongoing natural and anthropogenic threats, water will become a global problem within the next decade. This is why we need to explore alternative water sources - apart from the existing desalination plants - as measures to build resilience and improve freshwater security. Recent feasibility studies have shown that groundwater is a potential source of water that can be utilised to complement surface water supply. Rainwater harvesting is another measure that could also contribute significantly to the ongoing water demand. We do not need to utilise treated potable water for everything - in particular, not to clean cars, water our gardens or flush our toilets.
“In order to support the sustainable management of this natural resource, PUC has invested massively in the replacement of old leaking pipes and has succeeded in reducing water losses from 53% to 36%. This change is significant. PUC is planning to reduce unaccounted-for water loss still further to 24% by 2030, resulting in significant additional water savings.
“Government is also investing SR 190 million into the raising of the La Gogue dam by 6 metres. The works will provide an additional capacity of 600,000 m³ of water, aiming to provide uninterrupted rainwater-based supply during the dry season. Once completed, the dam will be able to store freshwater equivalent to 60 days of usage.
“President Danny Faure has recently announced in his State of the Nation Address the construction of a new dam at Grand Anse, Mahe. This initiative is part of Government commitment to guarantee an adequate water supply to the people of Seychelles.
“Nature can help us in finding solutions to our water problems. Green infrastructure and nature-based solutions have the potential to solve many of the water challenges we are facing today. We need to do so much more with ‘green’ infrastructure and harmonize it with ‘grey’ infrastructure wherever possible.
“Maintaining forest cover, reconnecting rivers to floodplains, and restoring wetlands will rebalance the water cycle and improve human health and livelihoods. We should at all costs protect our natural habitats that store, filter and regulate our water supplies.
“Today, I am again calling upon everyone to conserve and use water efficiently. Water is a finite resource that we cannot live without, let us not waste it. Let us use it wisely - because every drop counts.
“Let us make a difference today. Water is life and without water there is no life.
“I wish everyone a happy World Water Day.”