China will emphasize water conservation during Tuesday's 13th World Water Day.

 

Activities planned by international organizations in Beijing aim to improve awareness amongst citizens about water and health, the environment and sustainable economic development.

 

Experts say water conservation and protection is an especially pressing issue in China, being one of the most water-stressed nations on earth.

 

China's per capita usable water supply is 25 percent less than the world's average and water distribution is a major problem.

 

The international observance of 22 March as World Water Day is an initiative growing out of a 1993 resolution, proclaimed at the 47th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

 

(CRI March 21, 2005)