This publication, prepared by the United Nations University and the UN-Water Decade Programme on Capacity Development, focuses on one of the themes from the World Water Forum held in Istanbul, Turkey, from 17-18 March 2009: it aims to contribute to the understanding of rural to rural, rural to urban and cross-border migration in the face of water scarcity.

The main objective of this report is to address threats to human security and well-being posed by water scarcity and quality degradation. It also aims to investigate how improved groundwater management can increase human security.