In a green economy there is emphasis on the pursuit of opportunities to invest in sectors that rely upon and use natural resources and ecosystem services. Investing in green sectors, including the water sector, more jobs and greater prosperity can be created. Arguably, these opportunities are strongest in areas where people still do not have access to clean water and adequate sanitation services. Early investment in the provision of these services appears to be a precondition for progress. Once made, the rate of progress will be faster and more sustainable, thus making transition to a green economy possible.
Water in the green economy focuses on the socio-economic opportunities that proper water management provides to social and economic development, whilst also safeguarding freshwater ecosystems. In green economies, the role of water in both maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem services and in providing water is recognised, valued and paid for.
Sources:
Water on the road to Rio. UNW-DPAC, 2011
Towards a Green Economy: Pathways to sustainable Development and Poverty Eradication (Chapter on Water). UNEP, 2011