Freshwater

RIGHTS
1 Freshwater has the right to be
included among public policy
priorities and to be allocated
sufficient financial and
manpower resources.
This right should be
recognized and guaranteed by
all countries.
2 Freshwater has the right to be
valued as an essential good for the
sustainable future of the planet and
of mankind.
3 Freshwater has the right not to be
wasted or misused, but to be applied
correctly and moderately, in order to
guarantee its natural, ecologic, social
and economic functions.
4 Freshwater has the right to satisfy
the basic necessities of all living
beings on the planet, including
mankind.
5 Freshwater has the right not to be
contaminated and to be protected
against contaminating activities, in
order to maintain the characteristics
of its natural state.
6 Freshwater has the right not to be
appropriated by any part of society.
It is a common good, and as such
should be available to all citizens
7 Freshwater has the right not
to be under-utilized. This is
particularly so concerning
groundwater, which is
accessible, economic and of
high quality.
8 Freshwater has the right to be
studied by public and private
research bodies. The results of these
investigations should be made
available to the public.
9 Freshwater has the right to play an
important role in maintaining
biodiversity and in protecting
wetlands and other natural spaces.
10 Freshwater has the right to be
cherished by all the inhabitants of
the planet, and particularly by its
children, to whom campaigns should
be addressed to raise awareness of
freshwater’s natural and cultural
values.