"Ministers’ information" The World Bank report reviews the importance of groundwater and its role in protecting global ecosystems
The Information and Decision Support Center of the Council of Ministers highlighted the report issued by the World Bank entitled “Groundwater is the key to protecting global ecosystems.” He pointed out that groundwater, often referred to as “blue gold,” is one of the most important freshwater resources, as it acts as a natural capital asset that is extremely important for meeting human water needs, given that groundwater represents nearly half of the water. Extracted for domestic use around the world, it supports about 43% of all irrigation, feeding 38% of the planet’s irrigated farmland.
The report explained that groundwater supports a wide range of ecosystems vital to livelihoods; This is because groundwater can make life flourish even in the driest places.
The report indicated that groundwater provides a safe haven in times of drought, and acts as a water savings account that can To support ecosystems with the moisture needed to survive, even with decreasing rainfall. Meanwhile, these ecosystems range from desert springs to mountain meadows and streams, to wetlands and coastal forests. These ecosystems are often focal points of biodiversity around the world, supporting rare and endemic species. These ecosystems also remain an essential lifeline for rural communities, especially pastoralists, who depend on the vitality of these ecosystems.
The report added that groundwater has the ability to sequester carbon, This makes it important in the fight against climate change. Globally, perennial lakes, fed largely by groundwater, absorb approximately 0.33 billion tons of carbon dioxide annually, representing about 1% of current global emissions.
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The report explained that despite their importance and the services they provide, ecosystems that depend on groundwater are under pressure due to unrestricted exploitation of groundwater. For example, tensions over water and land between herders and farmers are expected to worsen as food insecurity due to climate change expands crop cultivation on formerly pastoral lands.
In a related context, groundwater depletion poses another threat. This is because these ecosystems are sensitive to slight changes in the water table. In areas where uncontrolled pumping from wells reduces the water table, once thriving ecosystems may wither and die.
The report stated that globally there are 53 % of groundwater-dependent ecosystems mapped in areas showing decreasing trends in groundwater levels, but only 21% are on protected land or areas with policies To protect them.
The report pointed out that policies that encourage the exploitation of groundwater may unintentionally expose these ecosystems to danger. It is estimated that the uncontrolled expansion of solar water pumping in sub-Saharan Africa may pose a threat to most ecosystems that depend on groundwater, and thus to the people and biodiversity that depend on it, so the report stresses the need to prioritize the development of energy irrigation projects. Solar “more accurately” To ensure the sustainable use of groundwater resources and reduce the impact on ecosystems. Social security as part of integrated policies and program decisions is essential. As the global community ramps up activities and funding to achieve climate and biodiversity goals, it is crucial not to ignore these ecosystems and recognize the pivotal role of groundwater in protecting them to achieve these global goals.
