Every year on March 22 organizations, municipalities, educators and people throughout the world celebrate World Water Day. The World Water Day Campaign this year takes a look at what water means to people, its true value and how we can better protect this vital resource.
How is water important to your home and family life, your livelihood, your cultural practices, your wellbeing, your local environment? Throughout the world, water means different things to different people!
In households, schools and workplaces, water can mean health, hygiene, dignity and productivity.
In cultural, religious and spiritual places, water can mean a connection with creation, community and oneself.
In natural spaces, water can mean peace, harmony and preservation.
How we value water is complex and when it is left to policymakers and experts from various sections, the voices of the people who are impacted by their decisions can become lost. As a part of the World Water Day observance this year, the World Water Day campaign surveyed people from around the world to say how they value water and why water is so important in their lives. Here are a few voices that were heard!
Protecting water is everyone’s responsibility. Here was a very loud and clear message that everyone
is responsible for protecting sources of drinking water. Participants also spoke about being careful
about how we use water in our daily decisions and their concerns about water scarcity. This message was also about political action and how governments and authorities must do more to protect water sources.
Water is life for the environment and ecosystems. The fundamental importance of water to the environment was another key message. At times, participants spoke of the environment in a similar way to health and life, mentioning how water is necessary for all ecosystems to flourish. The impact of climate change on access to safe water was mentioned,while conservation and restoration of wetlands was brought up as an important measure of adaptation.
Protecting Marion County’s groundwater is very important to us! We value safe drinking water for all and hope you’ll join us on this mission whether you are a business or individual in a wellfield or elsewhere in the community.
World Water Day is a United Nations observance created to focus attention on water issues across the world and inspire people to make a difference. It is celebrated every year on March 22.
