ANKARA
Turkey's EU Ministry said Sunday that the "Water and Sustainable Development" theme of UN World Water Day is the basis of Turkey's EU harmonization studies of water.
Releasing a statement marking UN-World Water Day, Turkey's EU Ministry said "The effective management of water resources, which is crucial for all sectors of the economy, plays a leading role in sustainable development and fighting poverty."
World Water Day, which is celebrated under different themes every year on March 22, was designated by UN General Assembly in 1993 for members of the global population who suffer from water-related issues as well as to prepare for how to manage water in the future.
According to the UN, the "Water and Sustainable Development," theme for 2015 is about how water links to all areas people need to create their future.
The ministry said Turkey's EU harmonization process on water-related issues started on Dec. 21, 2009.
"There are 25 river basins spotted in our country and basin protection action plans have been implemented accordingly," the statement said. "Every new step taken for EU harmonization regarding water will increase the life quality and prosperity of our people."
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon released a message about the importance of the day as well, saying “We rely on water for public health... It is essential for food and energy security, and it underpins the functioning of industries."
