“Water resources and water quality – these issues concern all of us. Everyday there is a feeling that we do not appreciate what has been given to us for free as if forever – Gauja and Daugava flow freely, the sea is free. Also, tap water, which is drinkable and of increasingly high quality, costs relatively little. It seems obvious. Therefore, the task of today’s conference is to update the importance of water in human life and existence in general, as well as our own care and responsibility for clean water,” said Uģis Mitrevics, chairman of the Saeima’s Sustainable Development Commission, opening the conference “Sustainability of Latvian waters and how achieve that?”.
U. Mitrevics also noted to the audience: one fourth of the world’s population suffers from a lack of drinking water, and due to climate change, it is a global problem. Looking at the general trends in the context of water pollution, Latvia is also one of the players, and not in a positive way.
On the other hand, Atis Labucis, Secretary of the Environment, Climate and Energy Subcommittee of the National Economy, Agrarian, Environmental and Regional Policy Commission, emphasizing the importance of water resources and its wide use, emphasized that only healthy bodies of water ensure high biodiversity and related ecosystem services. “Today, when we face many challenges in various fields, including ensuring the sustainability of Latvian waters, we must assess not only economic, but also environmental and social factors. Scientifically based management should be established, taking into account the influence of the environment, climate and man on natural processes,” said A. Labucis.
“The Constitution gives us the right to live in a favorable environment, but with regard to water, we have not achieved this at the moment. I hope that today’s conference will provide more clarity about the situation of Latvian waters and the knowledge that may have to be acquired anew in order to use it to improve the quality of seas, rivers and lakes,” said A. Labucis.
A conference of experts and policymakers in the field of water resources is taking place in the Saeima today. It is organized by the Saeima in cooperation with the World Nature Fund, and representatives of the responsible ministries and institutions, as well as environmental and water quality experts, participate in it.
At the conference, the participants discuss the current situation and achievable goals in water quality assurance, including water in the European Green Course and what international goals mean for Latvian water resources, as well as policy documents of achievable goals and tasks for the sustainability of Latvian waters.
The conference also focuses on inland water management, including hydromorphological changes and water pollution, as well as river fragmentation and its impact on migratory fish resources. Another topic is the path to a good state of the marine environment in the past, present and future, as well as the question of what in the current legislation hinders or promotes water protection in Latvia, and the appropriate treatment of wastewater before discharge into the environment as a prerequisite for sustainable conservation of water resources.
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Saeima Press Service
Tags: Mitrevics conference dedicated sustainability water resources clean water concern responsibility
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