On World Food Day, Pope Francis sent a letter to Qu Dongyu, Director-General of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, proposing the need for wise, prudent and sustainable management so that “all people can enjoy water and meet their basic needs.”
(Vatican News Network) Work together and brainstorm to make water a wealth for all and better distribute and manage it in a sustainable and rational way: Pope Francis on October 16, on the occasion of World Food Day, A letter was sent to Qu Dongyu, Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, making this request to international organizations, governments, civil society, businesses, academic and research institutions.
The theme of this year’s World Food Day is “Water is the source of life, water is the foundation of food, leaving no one behind.” In his letter, the Pope pointed out that this theme emphasizes the “irreplaceable value” of water as a resource for all living things on earth. This requires wise, prudent and sustainable management and should be urgently planned so that “all people have access to water that meets their basic needs” while also “maintaining and promoting appropriate human development and leaving no one excluded “.
Provide basic resources
The Pope said that many of “our brothers and sisters” are in poverty today and that “the cries of pain and despair of the poor” must “awaken our consciences.” Water “is the source of life because it ensures the survival of life.” “In many parts of the planet, our brothers and sisters are sick or dying because of a lack of drinking water.” In addition, “droughts caused by climate change” are causing huge damage to ecosystems and people, while “arbitrary management, misuse and pollution of water resources” are particularly harmful to indigenous peoples.
Requires the involvement of science and technology
The Pope went on to point out that “water is the basis of food because it is the key to achieving food security” and that water is also “an indispensable component of agriculture.” Therefore, “it is necessary to promote effective solutions to avoid leaks in agricultural irrigation pipes; use pesticides, organic and inorganic fertilizers that do not pollute water; promote measures to ensure water supply and avoid severe water shortages that can lead to conflicts between different groups, Conflict between nations and states.” Therefore, “science, technology and digital innovation must serve to maintain a sustainable balance between consumption and available resources”, thereby “avoiding negative impacts on ecosystems and irreversible damage to the environment”.
Take action of solidarity and mutual assistance
Speaking of World Food Day, the Pope emphasized that this day must also “remind us that we all need to act responsibly and sincerely in cooperation and resolutely resist the culture of discarding.” The Pope concluded by saying that “now more than ever it is urgent to be a promoter of dialogue and an artisan of peace” and in this regard “the Catholic Church never tires of spreading those values that build a civilization that can live in love, respect, and find a compass guiding its steps in mutual aid,” while also paying “particular attention to those who suffer most and those who are hungry.
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2023-10-17 10:27:02
