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Chapter 5. SOCIAL AND CULTURAL ASPECTS

Introduction

The social and cultural aspects of water use are important for decision-makers and managers of water resources. These aspects underlie planning public participation and awareness (see chapter 4). The value of water is often founded on traditional water uses from which people have developed their perception of water and their water-related culture. Natural and cultural environments interact; among cultural factors, religion is one of the most influential.

The current value of water and disposal of wastes in water is crucial to understanding of the perception and use of water in order to meet the challenges of management of water resources. Public awareness and environmental education can help the managers and decision-makers by creating a better understanding of the value of water within the society (see chapter 4).

Changes in regulatory mechanisms (see chapter 3), industrialisation of a country and associated urban development, new land-use practices, and change in traditional use of water by the population, are among the many factors that affect water quality. Hence, the integration of scientific, social, economic and cultural aspects is crucial to the control of eutrophication in lakes and reservoirs.

People have their own values and ways of using water. These values and practices have been formed by tradition, religion, culture and the natural environment. Current water values and water use patterns must be examined and, if necessary, changed to preserve the freshwater environment. For example, people tend to perceive water acquisition as more important than water disposal. After the water is used, it receives less attention resulting in some health problems and in eutrophication of many lakes and reservoirs. In order to encourage social conditions by which changes can be initiated, the support of the natural sciences and technology is needed, along with help from sociology, anthropology, theology and economics.

Table of Contents

• Brochure
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• International Year of Forests
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• World Environment Day
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• UNEP Campaign
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