Competition between water users occurs both in term of water quantity as in water quality. Even though some two-third of the world surface is covered with water, only 2.5% of the global water resources are fresh and 1% is available for human use.

Water deficiency is marked as one of the most serious issues globally. The water problems are associated with an increasing demand, inefficient use and the destruction of ecosystems that safeguard the supply and quality of water resources. Conflicts arise on water use for agricultural production, management of natural ecosystems and household and industrial use.

Despite the fact that access to safe water and food is a human right, the poor are most vulnerable to extreme events of water shortages or flooding. Optimal water allocation between food production purposes, ecosystems and other uses is a critical challenge that needs to be addressed both on local, regional and international level.

Source: Wageningen University

It is important to safeguard the quality of water needs of ‘green’ areas (agriculture or nature) in consensus with other water users in a catchment area. This includes both upstream and downstream users.
In addition, focus is needed on water management in relation to allocating water with a certain quality to specific agricultural activities or areas with special environmental values.