A UNESCO annual report issued on the occasion of World Water Day concluded that the countries of the world are not making sufficient efforts to conserve water resources.

According to independent estimates mentioned in the report, "by 2030, the world will face a general water shortage of 40%," and the situation will be exacerbated by other global problems, including the consequences of the epidemic.

The Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization said: “Water is our most valuable resource, blue gold, to which no more than two billion people have direct access. It is not only necessary for survival, but also plays a healthy, social and cultural role in societies. Humanity".

UNESCO detailed this problem in a 200-page report, in which it was stressed that the cost of water should be measured not only in terms of its market price, but also in terms of the benefits that could accrue from its distribution.

At the same time, it was recognized that there is currently no generally accepted model that would allow for such an evaluation.

Experts cite a number of aspects that affect this indicator, and they divide it into 5 categories, assessing water sources, water resources and ecosystems, assessing infrastructure for water storage, use, reuse or improving water supply, evaluating water supply services, drinking water and sanitation and related aspects. Relevance to human health, valuation of water as a factor of production, social and economic activity, and other social and cultural values ​​of water, including recreational, cultural and spiritual characteristics.

The international organization concludes that "it is possible, however, to develop an integrated approach that allows different aspects of water resources to be considered together in order to identify appropriate policy options."