Water: A Fundamental Resource for Ensuring Sustainability

Abstract

Objective: The objective of the study is to carry out a bibliographical review to understand the hydrological cycle and the importance of care of water for the maintenance of water resources and biodiversity in the pursuit of sustainability for present and future generations.   Theoretical framework: Water is essential for human consumption, crop irrigation, animal watering, industrial production, energy generation and maintenance of biodiversity. However, water resources have been suffering anthropic pressures that affect the availability of water in quality and quantity, directly inferring sustainability.   Method: This is a qualitative narrative review of the literature about the importance of water for the sustainability of life. The research was carried out through online access to Google Scholar databases, during the months of October to November 2021.   Results and conclusion: The availability of water in quantity for its multiple users is not enough. The compression of relationship between water and the sustainability of life and ecosystems in general is necessary. Therefore, more than monitoring is raising awareness among the population, recognizing water as an essential element for social, economic and environmental sustainability.   Originality/value: Study that relates the importance of water and the hydrological cycle for the sustainability of life, providing solid bases for knowledge and awareness of the importance of care and preservation, contextualizing from a systemic and multidisciplinary view.