The Huang He River Basin is an extreme example of human and environmental water scarcity. The river has nearly reached the level of complete water resource exploitation, with the duration of low flow periods in the river increasing from forty days in the early 1990s to two hundred days in 1997. This has placed enormous stress on the estimated 100 million people in the basin and their capacity to grow crops, as well as taken a toll on freshwater species and habitats. The basin can be defined as an area in crisis both for people and nature.

The need for action is urgent. Fortunately, there are many examples around the world where positive action has been taken to establish sustainable water management systems that allow economic development, social equity and environmental health. The 3rd World Water Forum must encourage these actions in its Blueprint for Action and in its ability to stimulate partnerships, channel investment, and create incentives for sustainable water management.
Key issues