Goal 6 of the UN Sustainable Development Goals underscores the importance of ensuring access to clean water and sanitation for all individuals.
At its core, Goal 6 highlights the critical role of clean water and sanitation in promoting public health, environmental sustainability, and socio-economic development. Access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation facilities is essential for preventing waterborne diseases, reducing poverty, and improving overall quality of life.
What does UN SDG 6 include?
To achieve this goal, the UN has outlined eight targets that serve as actionable steps towards ensuring clean water and sanitation for all:
Safe and Affordable Drinking Water (Target 6.1): By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all individuals.
End Open Defecation and Provide Access to Sanitation and Hygiene (Target 6.2): By 2030, ensure access to adequate sanitation and hygiene for all individuals and eliminate open defecation, with special attention to the needs of women, girls, and vulnerable populations.
Improve Water Quality, Wastewater Treatment, and Safe Reuse (Target 6.3): By 2030, enhance water quality by reducing pollution, minimising the release of hazardous chemicals and materials, and increasing recycling and safe reuse of wastewater globally.
Increase Water-Use Efficiency and Ensure Freshwater Supplies (Target 6.4): By 2030, significantly enhance water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity and reduce the number of people suffering from water scarcity.
Implement Integrated Water Resources Management (Target 6.5): By 2030, implement integrated water resources management at all levels, including transboundary cooperation where appropriate.
Protect and Restore Water-Related Ecosystems (Target 6.6): By 2020, protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including mountains, forests, wetlands, rivers, aquifers, and lakes.
Expand Water and Sanitation Support to Developing Countries (Target 6.7): By 2030, increase international cooperation and capacity-building support to developing countries in water- and sanitation-related activities and programs.
Support Local Engagement in Water and Sanitation Management (Target 6.8): Strengthen the participation of local communities in improving water and sanitation management.
As the United Nations puts it, by addressing water scarcity, improving water quality, and promoting sustainable management practices, societies can enhance public health, protect the environment, and advance socio-economic development on a global scale.
To learn more about how to improve sustainability in your business, make sure you read www.sustainabilityonline.net. For more details on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, click here.
