Everyone in Croatia should realise that preserving sovereignty over water resources is a vital national interest. Springs and ownership of the water-supply infrastructure must not be for sale but remain in the hands of the state and local self-government units as the only way to leave to future generations what we have inherited and ensure a safe development for our country, said Josipovic.

The Opatija conference, which closes on Saturday, has brought together 300 domestic and foreign scientists and experts.

Josipovic said water was of strategic interest in the 21st century, adding that saltwater accounted for 70 and freshwater for only three per cent of Earth's surface and that this was why some were saying that a litre of water would soon cost more than a litre of oil.

Nearly one-fourth of the world's population does not have enough drinking water and the UN feels that over the next 50 years several billion people will be faced with a lack of drinking water, so it is not difficult to assume that the accelerated drop in the global supply of drinking water will become the main ecological, economic and security issue of the 21st century, Josipovic said, adding that "many feel that wars will soon be fought for water and not for oil."

In terms of water, Croatia is one of the richest countries in Europe - third in terms of renewable sources of water per capita and fifth in terms of quantity of good drinking water, Josipovic said, stressing that the priority should be potable water in every household, upgrading the flood protection system, reducing flood damage, and raising from the current 50% the number of households connected to the public drainage system.

Jadranko Husaric, director of the Croatian Waters company, said significant amounts were being absorbed from European Union funds based on the company's projects and that it was preparing projects worth EUR 1 billion.