The world water development report

The World Water Development Report (WWDR) is a periodic review, continuously updated, designed to give an authoritative picture of the state of the world's freshwater resources and our stewardship of them. The WWDR builds upon past assessments and will constitute a continuing series of assessments in the future. The WWDR is targeted to all those involved in the formulation and implementation of water-related policies and investments, and aims to influence strategies and practices at the local, national and international levels. While a broad, global picture is given, particular emphasis is placed on developing-country situations, where management capacities are likely to be weaker, with the intention of identifying areas in particular need of attention. It lays the foundations for efficient and effective capacity-building in areas where stewardship challenges are greatest.

As a UN-led exercise, the preparation of the WWDR is a joint effort of the UN and its member states to collect and prepare reliable data in a harmonized and meaningful manner. Data and information used in the report are from official sources such as national authorities and basin agencies, or equivalents. National and local governments, institutions and universities, user associations, the private sector, nongovernmental organizations and national consultants are also involved. The first edition of the WWDR offers an inaugural assessment of progress since the Rio Summit.

The Secretariat of the World Water Assessment Programme (WWAP), in charge of the preparation of the WWDR, is hosted by UNESCO. More details about the WWAP can be obtained through Internet at: www.unesco.org/water/wwap.