World Water Day is celebrated today, a crucial date that reminds us of the importance of this vital resource for human survival and the balance of ecosystems. This year’s theme, “Leveraging Water for Peace”, highlights water’s ability to promote peace and co-operation between communities and countries.
In Mozambique, the word “water” begins with “m”. Mati, massi, mazhi, matchi, mave, madzi, maze, madi, madji – all these variations resonate with the root “m” and are closely linked to fertility, life and femininity. Water, like a pregnant woman, adapts to circumstances, overcomes obstacles and gives birth to life. It’s a powerful metaphor that reflects the transformative and vital nature of water.
However, when water is scarce or polluted, when people have unequal access or no access at all, tensions can arise between communities and countries. Climate change is exacerbating these challenges, making it even more urgent to unite around the protection and conservation of this precious resource.
In response to crises such as the cholera epidemic in Mozambique, international organisations, working with Mozambican institutions such as the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), have played a crucial role, providing funding to guarantee access to drinking water and basic sanitation services for hundreds of thousands of people. Contaminated water is the main means of cholera transmission, so guaranteeing access to drinking water is an effective way of stopping the epidemic. International cooperation, including the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation’s (AICS) investment in CERF, demonstrates the power of solidarity and global cooperation. 
In addition, initiatives such as the workshop on water monitoring and quality that took place from 28 to 29 November 2023, organised by the biotechnology centre of the “Eduardo Mondlane” University (UEM) with the support of AICS, highlight the ongoing commitment to the sustainable management of water resources: the challenges faced by Mozambique were highlighted, especially after extreme weather events such as cyclones, and the importance of international cooperation and the exchange of knowledge to address these challenges.
In Cabo Delgado, AICS together with the United Nations – namely the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the World Food Programme (WFP) – have been supporting Mozambican institutions to provide access to drinking water and essential basic services for children and families displaced in camps due to the violent attacks that continue to occur in the region. For example, in the localities of Palma Sede, Quitunda and Mute, 15 boreholes were built and another 15 rehabilitated. 57 awareness-raising sessions were held, centred on promoting positive hygiene practices, including the importance of washing hands with water, as a means of preventing illness. These awareness-raising sessions reached more than 22,000 people. These interventions not only guarantee access to clean water, but also promote hygiene and health education among people displaced by the conflict in Cabo Delgado, demonstrating how water is intrinsically linked to human well-being and sustainable development.
AICS is actively involved in building water systems and drilling wells in the areas most affected by the civil war through DELPAZ. DELPAZ, the Mozambican government’s programme funded by the European Union, with the support of the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), is implemented in Manica and Tete Provinces by AICS, while the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) is active in Sofala Province. These efforts not only improve access to drinking water, but also play a crucial role in restoring confidence and stability in communities devastated by the conflict. The DELPAZ Programme is a tangible example of how international cooperation can positively transform people’s lives, promoting peace and post-conflict reconstruction through access to fundamental resources such as water.
As we approach the 10th World Water Forum in Bali, Indonesia (18-25 May), it is crucial that we maintain the exchange of best practices and global collaboration to address water-related challenges. The presence of the AICS Regional Headquarters in Maputo at the forum underscores the international community’s ongoing commitment to promoting sustainable water management and achieving common development goals.