Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
Access to drinking water and sanitation is a human right and, together with water as a resource, a crucial factor in all aspects of social, economic and environmental development. Targets on drinking water and sanitation have been integrated into the MDGs, but other aspects in this area that are crucial for sustainable development have not been addressed. These aspects relate to water resource management, sanitation, water quality and reducing vulnerability to water-related disasters.
Goal 6 therefore includes, in addition to access to drinking water, sanitation and hygiene, further sub-goals on the protection and restoration of water-related ecosystems (including mountains, forests, wetlands, rivers and lakes). The aim is to improve water quality and reduce the pollution of water by hazardous chemicals. Transboundary cooperation will be promoted for integrated water resources management at all levels.
