UN Environement Press Conference

Growing populations, shifting consumption patterns, urbanization and other factors mean that demand for sand has increased three-fold over the last two decades. Global annual demand for sand and gravel stands at 40-50 billion tonnes, making them the second largest resource extracted and traded by volume after water. The extraction of sand and gravel from the seabed has led to pollution, flooding, the lowering of water aquifers, beach erosion and more frequent droughts. Unsustainable sand extraction also has social consequences, as it can hamper tourism and other livelihoods. This report points to more effective management and regulation as demand for sand continues to grow. It comes weeks after the fourth United Nations Environment Assembly adopted a new resolution on mineral resource governance.
Pascal Peduzzi, Director, GRID-Geneva