The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the year 2003 as the International Year of Freshwater. The resolution, adopted on 20 December 2000, was initiated by the Government of Tajikistan and supported by 148 other countries. It encourages Governments, the United Nations system and all other actors to take advantage of the Year to increase awareness of the importance of sustainable freshwater use, management and protection. It also calls upon governments, national and international organizations, non-governmental organizations and the private sector to make voluntary contributions and to lend other forms of support to the Year.

All throughout 2003, this site was the place for thousands of individuals, groups and organizations from across the globe to meet and share information on freshwater. The Year is over, but protecting this vital resource necessary for our daily lives is a never-ending task. This site has been kept active, containing loads of useful links to information about freshwater, statistics, how to get involved, and more.