As the world faces an alarming water crisis, experts and community leaders from across Asia gathered for the Asia Regional Webinar on World Water Day, organized by CIDAL of Caritas India in collaboration with Caritas Asia on 21 March 2025. With the theme “Water for the Future,” the webinar brought together participants from different countries to address the urgent need for collective action to protect water resources and prevent future water conflicts.

The webinar opened with a warm welcome from Fr. Antony Fernandes, Executive Director of Caritas India, who emphasized the invaluable nature of water and the shared responsibility to conserve it. “Water is an invaluable resource that needs to be protected and conserved,” he said. Urging communities to prioritize water conservation and efficient use, he stressed that “Everyone is affected by the water crisis; therefore, everyone should make efforts at their own levels.” His message set the tone for a powerful dialogue on the urgent need to protect the planet’s most precious resource.

Throughout the three-hour virtual session, distinguished speakers highlighted the growing threat of water scarcity, the devastating impact of chemical-based farming, and the need for global cooperation to secure the future of water.

Delivering an impactful keynote address, Dr. Sabita Madhvi Singh, Director of the National River Conservation Directorate, Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India, stressed the importance of protecting water ecosystems and the urgent need to reduce fossil fuel consumption to mitigate environmental damage.

She declared, “We are the cause of the crisis, and we must take responsibility for fixing it. Even the smallest actions, like fixing leaks, can make a difference. Every drop of water we save today secures the future for our children.” Dr. Sabita also raised serious concerns about the rapid melting of glaciers, which hold 70 percent of the world’s freshwater. She warned that if glacier melting continues at its current pace, sea levels could rise by as much as 70 meters, submerging low-lying countries like Tuvalu and the Maldives and threatening entire regions, including parts of Europe.

Ms. Mungreiphy Shimray, Coordinator of Caritas Asia, delivered a passionate call to action, urging participants to become “water warriors” and to take immediate steps to protect and conserve water. She urged, “We must roll up our sleeves and act now. If we do not, future wars will be fought over water. This is not just an environmental issue; it is a fight for survival, for our children, and for generations to come.”

Shimray’s message focused on the interconnectedness of the water crisis with broader environmental and social issues. She also emphasized the need for gender inclusiveness in water governance, calling for equitable participation of all voices to ensure a sustainable future.

Adding the regional perspective, Fr. Ongart Khaeser, Director of Justice and Peace, OMI, Thailand said, “Water is the most precious resource on Earth, yet we take it for granted.” He highlighted the critical link between water conservation, global warming, and human survival. He emphasized the direct impact of climate change on Thailand’s agriculture and daily life, calling for both individual and collective action.

He also brought the attention of the participants sharing, “Global warming is worsening droughts, altering rainfall patterns, and leading to saltwater intrusion. This is already devastating Thailand’s rice paddies, forcing farmers to abandon their fields.”

Fr. Ongart shared alarming data, noting that temperatures on Earth have risen by 1.18 degrees Celsius since the pre-industrial period. This seemingly small increase is having serious consequences, including evaporation from rivers and lakes, leaving less freshwater available for human use. He also pointed to the pollution of major water bodies, citing the Chao Phraya River as one of the most polluted in the world, with 4,000 tons of plastic waste flowing into the ocean each year.

“If we do not take water conservation seriously, what will the world look like in 50 years?” he asked. “Will we have enough drinking water? Will farmers still be able to grow crops? The answer depends on the actions we take today.”

Pran Ranjan, a senior expert from GIZ India, underscored the critical role of community-led water management in addressing water scarcity. He highlighted that traditional water conservation methods still play a crucial role in regions facing extreme water stress.

He pointed to successful community-managed irrigation systems in Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu as examples where local knowledge and cooperation have maintained access to water even in drought-prone areas. Ranjan stressed the importance of understanding geography and geology when managing water, particularly the need to preserve aquifers and reduce over-extraction of groundwater.

He also highlighted the urgent need to revive traditional water conservation systems such as talabs (ponds) in Rajasthan, Ahar Pyne irrigation systems in Bihar, and Apatani wet rice cultivation in Arunachal Pradesh. According to Ranjan, these time-tested practices can help restore local water cycles and strengthen community resilience against climate change.

In his closing remarks, Dr. Haridas V R, Thematic Lead of Climate Justice at Caritas India, issued a stark warning about the dual crisis of water quality and quantity. He emphasized that the water crisis is no longer a distant threat but a present reality requiring urgent intervention.

“Water is a matter of life and death,” he stated. “If we do not act now, future generations will pay the price. Both the quality and quantity of water are deteriorating rapidly, and we cannot afford to wait any longer.” Dr. Haridas called for global collaboration and local action, urging governments, organizations, and individuals to work together to protect every drop and prevent the impending water wars.

As the webinar drew to a close, Dr. Saju M K, Zonal Lead – West of Caritas India and the session’s moderator, reflected on the transformative power of the discussions. “We are not just talking about water – we are talking about life itself,” he emphasized. He acknowledged the global nature of the crisis and praised the international participation that allowed for a diverse exchange of ideas.

“This is a collective responsibility, and it is up to all of us to act now and ensure a water-secure future,” he emphasized. The Caritas Asia Regional Webinar on World Water Day left participants with a clear and urgent message – the water crisis is here, and every individual has a role to play in preventing a catastrophic future.

The time for action is now. The question is – will we rise as water warriors to protect our future, or will we stand by as the crisis deepens?