Freshwater RIGHTS 1 Freshwater has the right to

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.