About the Book

One and a half billion people across the world lack drinking water and another two lack clean water generally. In 20 years time these numbers will have doubled. Agricultural and industrial pollution is degrading the quality of fresh water supplies everywhere. And we lack a body of international law regulating the right to fresh water supplies. Should access to water be a universal human right? Should the provision of water be left in the hands of privatized corporations?

Riccardo Petrella analyses the obstacles in the way of an adequate response to these issues and sets out a cogent critique of a market-oriented system that sees water as a commodity rather than a precious community resource and fundamental human right.

This book calls for a world water contract enshrining fresh water as an essential good to which all people have a right. It should be controlled by communities in the public interest, and with international rules for its equitable management and distribution. He also calls on citizens, NGOs and parliamentarians all over the world to mobilize around these demands, as well as for an immediate programme of fresh water provision for the rural and urban poor.

About the Author

Riccardo Petrella

Contents

Contents
The Role of Politics: A Preface - Mario Soares
1. Achieving the First Revolution of the 21st Century
2. The Obstacle: The Lords of Water
3. Building a Different Future: A World Water Contract
4. Conclusions
The Water Manifesto: A Summary
Appendixes

Commendations

"It is time to oppose privatizing water and turning it into a commodity. To take action, as The Water Manifesto proposes, so that access to water is recognized as a human right, will supplement hope with strength" - Danielle Mitterand, President, Fondation France Liberte

"Democracy and liberty can only be the result of popular involvement and struggle. It is in this spirit that The Water Manifesto calls for citizens to mobilize in order to demand a worldwide water contract" - Mario Soares, former President, Republic of Portugal