6 October 2011: The International UN-Water Conference “Water in the Green Economy in Practice: Towards Rio+20” showcased successful water projects that can be replicated around the world, with the aim of fostering the adoption of green economies.

The UN-Water Conference, which took place in Zaragoza, Spain, from 3-5 October 2011, aimed to contribute to the preparation for the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD, or Rio+20).

Australia, Burkina Faso, Ecuador, Egypt, Guatemala, India, Israel, Kenya, Laos, Morocco, Peru, the Philippines, Panama, the Republic of Korea, South Africa and Yemen presented case studies. Their experiences will be used as input for a toolbox on “Water in the green economy,” to be presented in the lead up to the UNCSD.

During a session of the Conference on green jobs, the International Labour Organization (ILO) underlined that the transition to the green economy could have both positive and negative consequences on employment levels. Panelists recognized that a green economy can result in job creation, social inclusion and poverty reduction, but emphasized the need for supportive measures and policies.

UN-Water issued a best practice guide to actions, instruments and policies to advance toward a green economy for sustainable development and poverty eradication. UN-Water also announced that a global status report on the “application on integrated approaches to the development, management and use of water resources” will be launched at Rio+20. [UN Press Release] [UN-Water Conference Website] [UN-NGLS Press Release] [UN-Water newsletter summary]