The water supply, energy and agricultural sectors have a common interest in the protection and sustainable use of water resources: the development goals water, food and energy security are critically dependent upon the availability of water in sufficient quality and quantity. Mutually beneficial solutions for the three sectors have the potential to assist the transformation towards a green economy, with the following fields of action: i) resource efficiency, ii) green investment and iii) ecosystem services. This study analyzes the main relationships between sustainable water use and the green economy.

It aims to identify and evaluate possible options for a sustainable and cross-sector management of water resources for an environmentally compatible growth and in particular for the eradication of poverty. It analyzes the framework conditions and incentives that influence resource use in the three sectors. The study supports the orientation of the Bonn 2011 conference of the German Federal Government, which in turn should contribute to shaping and designing the upcoming Earth Summit Rio plus 20.