Water security is a critical issue at the intersection of ecological, societal, and economic dimensions. It is now challenged by factors like climate change, urbanization, and economic growth. As our global population increases, so does the demand for water, often resulting in local water shortages, in pollution and environmental degradation. Addressing these challenges requires sustainable strategies, such as those outlined in Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, which emphasizes the sustainable management and availability of water and sanitation for all. Recent advancements indicate that water neutrality—a concept where new developments are balanced by water-saving strategies—could significantly mitigate the negative impacts of urban expansion. However, a gap persists in translating this promising approach into policy and action, especially in regions struggling with political, financial, and organizational hurdles.

This Research Topic aims to explore the integration of water neutrality within the SDG 6 framework as a robust pathway to bolstering global water security and sustainability. It seeks to evaluate current policies, examine case studies, and identify the barriers hindering implementation. The goal is to formulate sustainable water management strategies that align with water neutrality principles, providing insights into overcoming challenges such as lack of political commitment, insufficient funding, and inadequate monitoring mechanisms. By answering these questions, the research intends to contribute to a deeper understanding of how water neutrality can be effectively operationalized globally.

To gather further insights into integrating water neutrality into sustainable water management, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

-Evaluation of current water neutrality strategies and their impact on urban environments

-Case studies highlighting successful implementation of water neutrality

-Policy analysis of obstacles to integrating water neutrality into SDG 6

-Innovative solutions such as smart irrigation and water recycling technologies

-The role of political and financial frameworks in advancing water neutrality initiatives

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Strategies for Sustainable Water Management through Water Neutrality