Aquatic environments are important to people. There is a continual escalation in demand for our finite water resources that will have ramifications for water quality and catchment health in the future. The diversity of landscapes across a catchment provides for many varied uses. The Northern Territory’s economic, ecological and cultural prosperity is dependent on efficient use and management of our water resources. The Northern Territory can learn from the solutions adopted by other Australian communities which have confronted problems resulting from the undervaluing of sustainable water management practices.
The ‘Rio Declaration’ (1992) defines ecologically sustainable development as ‘Using, conserving and enhancing the communities resources so that the ecological processes upon which life depends are maintained and the total quality of life, now and in the future can be increased.’ Sustainable development aims for economic gain, without ecological compromise on an extended time scale.
How people use the land and water within the catchment affects the use of water by other people and importantly also impacts on the environment. Societies that respect and understand the need to protect and conserve water will better maintain this essential resource for future generations.