The importance of groundwater in social and economic development is easily overlooked. Its value in the economy and in economic development is frequently underestimated when policy makers in governments, business investors or local farmers and communities assume that the springs, wells and boreholes they rely on will continue to supply high quality freshwater, forever. Where these mistaken assumptions continue, the benefits of groundwater for development will be lost. Where groundwater management is sustainable, its potential contributions cross multiple dimensions of sustainable development. Sustainable groundwater management can ensure climate-resilient supplies of water needed to help meet goals for food security, energy development and access to drinking water. It can supply water for sustainable cities and for industrialisation. Sustainable groundwater management is key for the conservation of groundwater dependent ecosystems in groundwater discharge areas.
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