Today is International Day of Forests. This year it is dedicated to the special role they play in terms of supplying the Earth with water. Drinking water may soon become a resource as strategic as oil or gas. More than 50 percent of our country's needs are met by water that is produced in the Carpathian Mountains (Vistula River basin). The environment is the Carpathians' greatest asset, and water for future generations is fundamental. Proper water management must certainly be one of the pillars of the macro-regional strategy in the area. During the international forums "Europe of the Carpathians" we are working to ensure that these areas receive special protection.