|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
2003: The International Year of Freshwater
by Lisa Wise Were you in search of water this summer to help you cool down, relax or add splash to your vacation? In Alberta, we have often taken the "abundance" of our lakes, rivers and streams for granted - whether for recreation, industry or personal use. However, for millions of people in the world, access to potable water and the daily risk of water-borne diseases are constant and lifelong challenges. In this land of plenty, we are fortunate to have instant, continuous access to water and rely on safe source water or state-of-the-art treatment systems without much thought. Yet we are hearing more and more that our own water supplies are at risk. Alberta Ecotrust is pleased to have supported several community initiatives that encourage more conservation and stewardship approaches to water use. |  |
2003 is The International Year of Freshwater. This year is significant to all of us, from those who are suffering with tainted, polluted water to others who have plenty and habitually waste it. The purpose of the Year of Freshwater is to highlight the essential need for water and to promote sustainable use. Despite the grave need for good quality water, or maybe because of it, sources are being over-consumed, squandered, polluted and taken for granted all over the world. The results can be devastating, which is why the United Nations designated 2003 as the Year of Water. Internationally, the target goal is to decrease by half the percent of people without sustainable access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation services by 2015. This goal will also help to decrease child mortality, malaria, hunger and poverty, as well as empower more women in developing countries. On a local and regional level, increased awareness of the role of water in our lives and the state of our water resources will create an impetus to more stringently protect and honour this resource. Maybe that old adage should read, “don’t throw out the baby or the bathwater!!” On a world-wide basis: - 2 out of every 3 people on the planet will suffer moderate to severe water shortages in just over 2 decades
- 1 person out of 6 is currently without regular access to safe drinking water, and this may worsen as sources disappear.
- 1 in 3 people are without access to adequate sanitation facilities. That’s 2.4 billion people. (www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2003/sgsm8707.doc.htm)
What are you doing to focus on wise usage and conservation of freshwater? We invite you to have a look at the water-oriented projects recently supported by Alberta Ecotrust that are highlighted in this issue.…………………………………………………………………………………………….. Below are some other resources for additional ideas. “Dive” in!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
