Welcome to ECoNETT: The Issues
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Management of Fresh Water Resources
The Earth has enough water for all if it is properly managed. An adequate supply of fresh drinking water is a fundamental requirement of sustainable development. Effective management of water can cut utility use significantly and help communities make more effective use of existing resources.
Objective: to protect the quality of water resources and to use existing resources efficiently and equitably
Travel & Tourism Companies should:
- take all possible measures to protect the quality of fresh water reserves and establish appropriate emergency procedures should reserves be under threat
- provide fresh water facilities for use by local communities in communal areas, or pay for water infrastructure to be installed to serve the needs of both tourists and local communities
- minimise wastage of water by undertaking regular maintenance checks
- work with customers to reduce water demand; placing notices explaining to guests the importance of conserving water is just one example of a commonly used and effective initiative
- utilise water-saving devices to reduce water consumption while maintaining service quality
- plant drought-resistant species in landscaped areas
- develop appropriate environmental impact and design criteria to ensure that water conservation is a key element of new projects and, if water is scarce and construction may result in local shortages, be prepared to take the decision not to build
- for Transnational Companies, disseminate water saving technologies and techniques to facilities in developing countries
- reuse and recycle water wherever possible
- encourage staff and consumers to incorporate components of the water management programme into daily procedures at home
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