Stockholm — Experts at the World Water Week in Stockholm discussed today means to address water pollution and its effect on ecosystems by finding the source of pollution "upstream."

Water links land, coasts, and oceans, transporting accumulated pollution along the water path, from upstream to downstream — from source to sea. Naturally occurring processes as well human activities along the whole chain affect societies and ecosystems downstream negatively. According to the UN, 2 million tons of sewage and industrial and agricultural waste are discharged into the world's water every day.

Experts at the World Water Week in Stockholm stress now the need to address the problem at its source — a challenging task that requires multi-stakeholder commitment along the water path to prevent and control water pollution. It also requires measures beyond traditional water management to include other functions of society across land, air and sea. As water access and quality go hand in hand, there is a need for consensus on the value of healthy ecosystems, incorporating water and environmental services on a benefit and cost sharing basis.

The Baltic Sea is one example where such cooperation is taking place to address the process of eutrophication — an increase in the concentration of nutrients transported from land to sea, negatively affecting ecosystems along the way. Currently, the Baltic Sea is at a very vulnerable stage, with approximately a quarter of its total sea floor area (about 100,000 km²) recognised as a variable dead zone. This prompts nations around the sea to engage in coordinated, multinational work beyond the coastal zone address the problem.

The 2010 Swedish Baltic Sea Water Award laureates Prof. Maciej Nowicki and Prof. Marek Gromiec from Poland have contributed significantly to improvement of the marine environment of the Baltic Sea. During their careers, Poland has made considerable investments in new and modernised sewage treatment, which has led to a significant decrease in the concentration of nutrients being transported to the Baltic Sea. The two professors received the prize today at the World Water Week in Stockholm.

About the Swedish Baltic Sea Water Award
Established in 1999, the Swedish Baltic Sea Water Award honours innovation, commitment and new methods that help protect the Baltic Sea water environment. The Award is presented annually by Sweden's Ministry for Foreign Affairs and is administrated by the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI). The prize sum was increased this year from 100,000 SEK to 250,000 SEK to further encourage Baltic actors to improve the ecosystem of the sea. www.siwi.org/swedishbalticseawateraward

About the World Water Week in Stockholm
The World Water Week in Stockholm is the annual meeting place for the planet's most urgent water-related issues. Organised by the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI), it brings together 2,500 experts, practitioners, decision makers and business innovators from around the globe to exchange ideas, foster new thinking and develop solutions. www.worldwaterweek.org

About Stockholm International Water Institute
The Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI) is a policy institute that contributes to international efforts to combat the world's escalating water crisis. SIWI develops and promotes future-oriented and knowledge-integrated policies, towards sustainable use of the world's water resources leading to sustainable development and poverty eradication. www.siwi.org

SOURCE: SIWI

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