"This is our commitment to (solving) the water shortage problem in the world," Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan said during the 10th WWF preparatory coordination meeting here on Saturday.
The minister said the WWF ministerial declaration will not be binding, but rather be a global joint agreement and commitment to water availability.
Pandjaitan says the ministerial declaration incorporates Indonesia's national interests on water as one of the world's crucial issues.
"In the future, water will become a serious problem in the world. That is why it is so important that we do this, apart from (addressing) fossil energy issues," he stressed.
He drew attention to several points in the declaration, including the integrated water resources management in small island states.
"This is an important thing for Indonesia, as the largest archipelagic country, and our commitment to help archipelagic countries in the Pacific through the Archipelagic and Island States (AIS) Forum," he stated.
Furthermore, the declaration also includes the establishment of a center of excellence related to water management and climate resilience and the declaration of World Lakes Day planned every August 27.
Lakes are one of the water sources that need attention from both national and global governments.
Later, Pandjaitan remarked that the 10th WWF results will be forwarded to the United Nations (UN) for further discussion.
Meanwhile, Secretary General of the Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) Ministry Mohammad Zainal Fatah stated the ministerial declaration is currently at the final draft stage and is ready to be proposed at the 10th WWF.
He says the World Water Council was also consulted beforehand for the draft declaration.
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Translator: Dewa W, Kenzu
Editor: Bayu Prasetyo
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