RELATED STORIES Tap opens in debate on the future of water

The forum, held only every three years, will address growing water scarcity, the risk of conflict as countries squabble over rivers, lakes and aquifers, and how to provide clean water and sanitation to billions.

Riot police dispersed some 300 demonstrators against the forum as they headed to the venue buildings, detaining at least 17.

The protesters, whose rally had been called by unions, environmentalists, and leftist organizations, responded to the tear gas by hurling rocks and beating officers with sticks.

They chanted slogans such as "water is people, it’s life, it’s not for sale," and "we want to crush this forum which wants to take our water".

Activists globally accuse the forum of helping major water companies to promote privatization. Forum organizers deny they represent any special interest.

RECORD PARTICIPATION

The forum began with a mini-summit of a small number of heads of state and government, including Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan, Iraqi President Jalal Talabani, Tajikistan's President Emomali Rahmon, South Korean Prime Minister Han Seung-Soo, Crown Prince Willem Alexander of the Netherlands and Crown Prince Naruhito Kotaishi of Japan.

The gathering will conclude with a large ministerial meeting aimed at crafting guidelines for smarter management of water and resolution of water conflicts.

Speaking at the inauguration of the forum, Gul said Turkey was pleased to welcome respected dignitaries of the international water community.

"For the first time in the history of the World Water Forum, the heads of state and government will convene in a meeting," he was quoted by Anatolian Agency as saying.

"We live in a more transparent and globalized world. Incidents taking place in distant corners of the globe may have an effect on us one day. We are going through a period in which we must work together to overcome difficulties," Gul said. "The preservation of the environment poses the biggest societal and economic challenge to the world," he added.

Around 28,000 people are expected to attend the conference, the fifth in the series, according to an organization official. "It breaks the record," she told AFP.

RISING DEMAND FOR CLEAN WATER

Worldwide demand for water is rising just as access to safe drinking water and sanitation remains inadequate in much of the developing world, director-general of UNESCO told the forum, calling for better management to alleviate water shortages.

Population growth and mobility, as well as increased energy production, especially of biofuels such as ethanol, are contributing to the high demand for water, Koichiro Matsuura, director-general of the U.N. agency, was quoted by AP as saying.

"With increasing shortages, good governance is more than ever essential for water management. Combating poverty also depends on our ability to invest in this resource," Matsuura said.

Photo: Burak Akbulut