GOAL 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
Sustainable management of water resources and access to safe water and sanitation are essential for unlocking economic growth and productivity and providing significant leverage for existing investments in health and education. The natural environment e.g. forests, soils and wetlands contribute to management and regulation of water availability and water quality, strengthening the resilience of watersheds and complementing investments in physical infrastructure and institutional and regulatory arrangements for water access, use and disaster preparedness. Water shortages undercut food security and the incomes of rural farmers, while improving water management strengthens national economies, and enhances the resilience of agriculture and food sectors, helping them to adapt to rainfall variability and able meet the needs of growing population. Protecting and restoring water-related ecosystems and their biodiversity can ensure water purification and water quality standards.
UNEP is working to develop a coherent approach to measuring water-related issues. All the SDG indicators under Goal 6 are coordinated by UN Water and UNEP actively works with UN Water and the UN Water partners on these indicators. UN Water has developed a data portal as a hub for SDG 6. Additionally, the Global Environmental Monitoring Initiative for SDG 6 acts a coordinating initiative for all SDG 6 methodologies (all SDG 6 methodologies, including the ones UNEP has developed are available as part of this initiative).
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Indicators
Sustainable Development Goal 6 goes beyond drinking water, sanitation and hygiene to also address the quality and sustainability of water resources, which are critical to the survival of people and the planet. The 2030 Agenda recognizes the centrality of water resources to sustainable development and the vital role that improved drinking water, sanitation and hygiene play in progress in other areas, including health, education and poverty reduction.
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