A new film by UNESCO and the Republic of Korea calls for addressing the water quality crisis in order to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and sustainable development.
As an emerging issue, the film identifies pollution by pharmaceuticals and endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
23 August 2012: A film released by the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the Republic of Korea’s Ministry of Environment emphasizes the importance of clean water, noting that degradation of water quality threatens human lives by spreading waterborne diseases and causing radical declines in freshwater biodiversity, due to water pollution.
The film, “Protecting Water Quality for People and the Environment,” also notes that the economic cost of water pollution threatens sustainable development. The film includes an overview of UNESCO’s work to improve water quality and actions taken by the Republic of Korea to reduce water pollution and restore riverine habitats. The film highlights agricultural pollutants, noting that agriculture is responsible for about 70% of water pollution. As an emerging issue, the film identifies pollution by pharmaceuticals and endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
The film identifies knowledge sharing and capacity building as important at the national, regional and global levels to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and sustainable development, and improve water quality. [UNESCO Press Release] [YouTube Page for Film]