Many of us will agree that the “natural way” to restore wellness in our bodies is the most beneficial path to healing. A similar idea holds our focus for this year’s observance of World Water Day “Nature for Water”. The theme begs the question “Why not nature based solutions to solve the water challenges we face in the 21st century?”
The global increase in flooding, erosion and landslides are all linked to our misuse of the land and the advent of climate change. As a result, environmental damage is making it increasingly difficult to acquire the potable water we need to survive. In fact, UN Water reports that today, 2.1 billion people live without safe drinking water at home. This lack affects their health, education and livelihoods.
The “natural way” to solve the earth’s water resource deficiencies would include the planting of new forests, reconnecting rivers to floodplains, and restoring wetlands. These efforts will help to rebalance the water cycle and improve life on the planet.
The Ministry of Works and Transport, in helping to create a prosperous future for all citizens, recognizes the value of Nature for Water in healing the effects of damaged ecosystems and their effects on the quantity and quality of water.
Therefore, as we celebrate World Water Day for 2018 we look forward to engaging with the Mayaro Government Primary school through the Earth Echo Water Challenge. This interactive drive aims to build public awareness and the involvement of the community in protecting water resources, by empowering residents to carry out basic monitoring of the Matelot River.
Students and teachers, together with special assistance from staff from the Ministry’s Coastal Protection Unit, have been assessing the water quality of the Matelot River by identifying the most common factors of water health such as temperature, dissolved Oxygen and pH levels. The students have also participated in classroom sessions conducted by the University of the West Indies and other local NGOs, utilising water testing kits donated by the Director of the Coastal Protection Unit.
Through education and the simple actions of testing and sharing data about their community’s water quality, the students of the Matelot Community School are taking ownership of their environment as they become empowered and better equipped to learn more about the Matelot River. This year the students of the Mayaro Government Primary School will be given a similar opportunity to learn about the Mahaut River.
As part of World Water Day, let us all be aware that water is not an isolate element but an integrated part of a complex natural process that involves evaporation, precipitation and the absorption of water through the soil. With this understanding, we should all make a firm commitment to discover, appreciate, and protect our water at its source, and be part of the solution for clean water, and healthy waterways across Trinidad and Tobago. Indeed, Nature-based Solutions can be the focus for actions to improve access to safe water.
***