In northwestern Brazil, droughts have at times led to severe hardships and major migrations. In parts of the Caribbean, the construction of hotels and resorts has put a strain on the drinking-water supply. In Central America, flooding caused by Hurricane Mitch last year destroyed water treatment facilities, threatening public health. David Moody of the IWRN said it's important to develop greater cooperation among nations because demand for available fresh water is increasing at an alarming rate.
Water is a renewable resource.
Pollution, overpopulation, deforestation and climate change are just some of the factors that can threaten the supply. Panama's first lady, Dora Boyd de P rez Balladares, who chairs the honorary committee for the hemispheric meeting, said water management is becoming an increasingly vital international policy issue. Participants in the conference will have the chance to tour the Panama Canal, which offers a vivid case study of many water issues. For example, the weather phenomenon known as El Ni o last year produced a drought, which caused a drop in the level of the lake that feeds the canal's locks. As a result, restrictions had to be placed on the draft of ships passing through the waterway.