This report is a joint publication by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD). It is meant to serve as an example of cooperation between an international governmental organization and a business group in disseminating information on fresh water, a subject of vital importance to human survival and socio-economic development. Seldom do individuals consider the many uses of this irreplaceable resource drinking water, cooking, cleaning, growing food and livestock, fisheries and aquaculture, industry, recreation, power generation, transport of goods, and aesthetics