World

Protesters, longtime disputes weigh on Water Forum

Nearly 1 billion people lack access to safe drinking water and the number threatens to rise, UNESCO says, as farmers struggle to feed bulging populations and cities grow faster than their sewer systems.

13.03.2012

(AP) Nearly 1 billion people lack access to safe drinking water and the number threatens to rise, UNESCO says, as farmers struggle to feed bulging populations and cities grow faster than their sewer systems.

Decision-makers meeting in Marseille on France's southeast coast this week are trying to reverse that, but hopes aren't high. Thousands of utility executives, activists and environment chiefs at the World Water Forum are working to overcome years of disputes and red tape so millions more people can drink and bathe in clean water.