National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Fact! Producing 1 kilogram of meat requires about 15,000 liters of water, 1 kilogram of rice — around 3,000 liters, 1 liter of milk — approximately 1,000 liters and making a single cotton T-shirt consumes nearly 2,700 liters of water.

The concept of virtual water plays an important role in assessing water resources, as countries effectively “trade” water when they import or export goods that require water for their production. This understanding helps address the issue of water scarcity. For example, a country with limited water resources can conserve its own water by importing water-intensive products. Moreover, the concept contributes to shaping sustainable development policies.

Thus, virtual water plays a key role in environmental conservation, the efficient use of natural resources and the advancement of sustainable development.