Access to and utilisation of water, land and energy for everyone is important to meet basic needs and avoid conflicts. Equal access to and use of natural resources, especially for marginalised and vulnerable population groups, are thus indispensable for an inclusive and sustainable development in the partner countries of the Austrian Development Agency (ADA).

Global trends, such as population growth, changed consumer habits or climate change, increase the pressure on already scarce natural resources. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) estimates that agricultural production must increase by 60 percent by 2050 to meet future global demand. Humankind will need 40 percent more energy as early as 2030. Globally, nearly two-thirds of the world population experience severe water scarcity during at least one month of the year. Global demand for land is escalating, posing problems regarding equal access and utilisation. In the spirit of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ADA seeks to protect sensitive ecosystems, conserve natural resources and contribute to climate protection through sustainable agricultural production and environment-friendly measures in energy as well as water and wastewater management.

Water supply and sanitation, renewable energy and rural development for increased food security are therefore major priority areas of ADA. These fields of activity are closely interlinked. This means that each decision and measure of development policy must take due account of the interrelations, synergies and possible trade-offs in these sectors. By highlighting these interrelations and its integrative approach at strategy, programme and project level, ADA enables sustainable solutions and contributes to better results.