Publication

Investing in Economic Development and the Environment: Does Water Matter?

In September 2000, 189 UN Member States adopted eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) with measurable targets and timeframes for progress.  Goal #7 addressed environmental sustainability broadly and targets for the water sector specifically:

‘Halve, by 2015, the proportion of people without sustainable access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation.’

However, two obstacles to this goal arise that deserve equal attention: financing and management. This paper demonstrates that with proper management, investments in water and sanitation are central to achieving economic development goals worldwide.