Water is a basic prerequisite for food production and sustainable use of natural resources – new strategy aims to create a water-secure world

Finnish Water Way – International Water Strategy Finland is Finland's new strategy for building a water-secure world by the year 2030. The objectives of the strategy are grouped under three pillars – Water for Sustainable Development, Water for People and Water for Peace. Many of the objectives and means introduced in the new strategy are linked to food security and sustainable natural resource economy.

The new water strategy, replacing the previous strategy from 2009, forms the framework for Finland’s water-related international ambitions and actions and contributes to the implementation of the water-specific SDG of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. A sustainable management of water resources is part of the solution to almost all major global problems, such as famine, over-exploitation of natural resources, pollution, and adaptation to climate change.

"Sustainable development is possible only if we can manage the risks related to water resources and their use. The new strategy, updated in broad cooperation, will guide us in our consistent efforts to solve global water-related challenges," says Jaana Husu-Kallio, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.

The great demand for clean water and related solutions worldwide creates opportunities also for the export of Finnish water expertise and for international business in the water sector. For example, water-saving and water-recycling solutions and smart management of water resources are in high demand.

The strategy has been prepared in close collaboration between five ministries – the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, the Ministry of Employment and the Economy, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of the Environment – and other stakeholders, such as research institutes and civil society. The ministries were supported in their work especially by Aalto University and the Finnish Water Forum.

An action plan will be drawn up to support and guide the practical implementation of the strategy and the allocation of national resources. The action plan will be updated during each government term.

Finnish Water Way – International Water Strategy Finland

Inquiries at the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry:
Jaana Husu-Kallio, Permanent Secretary, tel. +358 29 516 2184
Seppo Rekolainen, Director of International Water Cooperation, tel. +358 29 516 2086
Ville Keskisarja, Ministerial Adviser, tel. +358 29 516 2390
Email addresses are in the format [email protected]