In the early 21st Century, prospects for human development are threatened by a deepening global water crisis. Debunking the myth that the crisis is the result of scarcity, this report argues poverty, power and inequality are at the heart of the problem.

Autorentext
The UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM is the UN's global development network, advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. They are on the ground in 166 countries, working with them on their own solutions to global and national development challenges. As they develop local capacity, they draw on the people of UNDP and their wide range of partners. Every year since 1990, the UNDP has commissioned the Human Development Report by an independent team of experts to explore major issues of global concern.

Inhalt
Introduction Overview CHAPTER 1: ENDING THE CRISIS IN WATER AND SANITATION Water and Human Development The Human Development Costs of the Water and Sanitation Crisis Why Inequality Matters The MDGs and Beyond: Getting on Track and Achieving the Goals Making Progress A Reality Conclusion and Recommendations CHAPTER 2: WATER FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION Why the Poor Pay More - and Get Less Water Managing the Network - The Providers Dilemma Delivering the Outcomes - The Policies Summary and Conclusions References CHAPTER 3: THE VAST DEFICIT IN SANITATION Introduction Overview of the Sanitation Problem Why Sanitation Lags So Far Behind Water Breaking the Cycle (Drawing on Lessons from Success Stories) Judging Success Ways Ahead: More Local Development, More Engagement with the Unserved Going to Scale and Reaching the MDG Targets CHAPTER 4: WATER SCARCITY, RISK AND VULNERABILITY Introduction Rethinking Scarcity in a Water-stressed World Risk, Vulnerability and Uncertainty Summary and Conclusions Integrated Water Resources Management CHAPTER 5: WATER COMPETITION IN AGRICULTURE Introduction Water and Human Development - The Livelihood Link Competition, Rights, and the Scramble for Water The Governance Challenge in Irrigation Reducing Risk and Raising Pro-Poor Productivity Summary and Conclusions CHAPTER 6: MANAGING TRANSBOUNDARY WATERS Introduction Hydrological Interdependence The Costs of Non-Cooperation The Case for Cooperation River Basin Cooperation for Human Development Conclusion and Recommendations References