Not-so-random thoughts on World Water Day 2013

Fri Mar 22, 2013

by the National Parks, Rivers and Beaches Authority

St Vincent and the Grenadines joins the rest of the global community in the celebration of World Water Day 2013.{{more}}

World Water Day is held annually on March 22 as a means of focusing attention on the importance of fresh water and advocating for the sustainable management of freshwater resources.

An international day to celebrate fresh water was recommended at the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED). The United Nations General Assembly responded by designating 22 March 1993 as the first World Water Day.

This yearâs celebration is significant in several respects. Firstly, 2013 is dedicated by the United Nations as the International Year of Water Cooperation. Secondly, today March 22, marks the 20th anniversary of the observance of World Water Day. And thirdly, this yearâs celebrations came just one day after the beginning of Spring in the Northern Hemisphere and the observance of World Forestry Day on 21st March.

Indeed, while Spring is generally regarded as the “Season of Lifeâ, water is seen as Life itself! Of course it is the availability of water on Mother Earth that distinguishes our planet from the others in the Solar System.

Forests play a central role in the water cycle. The roots of trees absorb water while excess water, is released via the leaves of trees into the atmosphere during the process of photosynthesis. The forest canopy also acts like a giant umbrella to reduce the erosive impact of rain on soils, while tree roots, fallen leaves and other debris slow the rate of run-off of water downslope, while allowing such water to be absorbed into the subsurface, to replenish aquifers and artesianal wells, rivers, streams, springs and other waterways. This helps to create a balance of this precious resource in the natural environment.

Access to clean water is a basic human right. The availability of potable water is crucial to the achievement of at least six of the eight UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). These include Goal 1: Eradicate Extreme Hunger and Poverty; Goal 4: Reduce Child Mortality; Goal 5: Improve Maternal Health; Goal 6: Combat HIV/AIDS, Malaria and other diseases; Goal 7: Ensure Environmental Sustainability; and Goal 8: Develop a Global Partnership for Development.

Here in St Vincent and the Grenadines, we are blessed with 12 major watersheds, seven major rivers and dozens of streams and springs, all of which contribute towards the sustainable development of our country. At least 20 catchments provide water for domestic and industrial consumption, including bathing, cooking, swimming, and washing; for hydro-electricity generation; irrigation of agricultural crops and for animal husbandry; for building construction; and for industrial purposes, among others.

Further, several of our rivers, streams and springs form the backdrop to some of our more popular recreation and tourism sites, including Black Point Recreation and Heritage Park; Dark View Falls; Trinity Falls, the Vermont Nature Trail; and the Wallilabou Recreation Park, as well as Hellâs Gate and Will-be-Free, just to name a few. Most of these waterways teem with an array of eels, crayfish, lobsters and crabs. These aquatic wildlife are a major source of protein for persons in some rural communities. Moreover, crayfish and callaloo, and crab and dumplings are favourite delicacies among the Vincentian populace, and form a major part of the national cuisine. And in this season of Easter, river fishing (chopping or jamming) is recreational pastime for persons from both rural and urban communities in SVG.

But while those of us on mainland St Vincent may boast of the many rivers, springs and streams that exist here, and on a relatively reliable supply of potable water, our fellowmen in the Grenadines have to rely mainly on artesianal water-harvesting systems to meet their basic needs. Too often, our nationals take for granted the fragility of our water supply. Indeed, Climate Change, extreme weather conditions such as prolonged droughts, intense storms and hurricanes, deforestation, bush fires, pollution, unplanned and unregulated housing and infrastructural development all pose serious challenges to the sustainable management of our water resources.

We wish to draw attention to the current “dry seasonâ that is negatively impacting the entire Caribbean, and the need for everyone to conserve water, especially during this period. Over the just concluded weekend, the local Met Office published the following on the NEMO FacebookÂ® page:âSPECIAL NOTE: March is our driest rainfall month (using period 1981-2010), with an average of 82.8 mm (3 and 1/4 inches).

We are currently experiencing a dry spell; for the last 15 days, a total of 0.3 mm of rainfall was recorded at the E.T. Joshua Airport. Review the February conditions across the Caribbean.

The concern over severely dry conditions in the northern portion of the eastern Caribbean has intensified, and in fact has expanded its geographical area further south, and all the way to Grenada. Interests in these areas should take precautions against severely low water levels. Some countries may have to issue drought and water watches or alerts if conditions continue to persist during March as expected.â

Local authorities are currently grappling with an upsurge in the frequency, magnitude and geographical spread of bush (wild or forest) fires which are directly linked to the dry season. Water has to be used to put out bush fires, especially where such fires threaten life and property. In these situations, there is less water available to meet the basic needs of individuals, households, businesses and industry.

Ensuring the sustainability of our precious water resources is the responsibility of every Vincentian man and woman; student, parent and teacher; youth, adult and senior citizen; politician and non-politician; and the religious and secular, among others. And so in the spirit of cooperation and in keeping with the UN overarching theme of cooperation for sustainable water resources management in 2013, the National Parks Rivers and Beaches Authority takes this opportunity to applaud all ministries, departments and statutory bodies; NGOs; community groups and individuals who continue to work tirelessly on the front lines and behind the scenes to ensure that every Vincentian man, woman and child; and every household and business have access to clean water.

In particular, we applaud the work of the Central Water and Sewerage Authority and its Solid Waste Management Unit; the Forestry Department, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, Rural Transformation and Industry; the Public Health Department, and the Environmental Management Department, Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment; the Physical Planning Department, Ministry of Housing, Informal Human Settlements, Physical Planning, Land and Surveys; Friends of the Environment; Keepers of the Environment; and the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO).

As we observe, reflect on and celebrate World Water Day 2013, let us ponder the fate of our fellow human beings, the millions of children, the physically and mentally challenged, youths and elders in Africa, China, India and other underdeveloped and developing nations who do not have access to potable water. We implore you to be a voice against wanton dumping of solid waste into our waterways.

Stand up against pig-rearing along the banks of our rivers and streams. Heed the advice of the CWSA-SWMU, the Forestry Department and the Police. Avoid washing your vehicles and watering your lawns with water hoses. Resist the urge to set dry areas on fire or burn debris on your farm or around your home. Be a champion against deforestation. For after all, trees mean Life and water is Life! Trees and forests help to slow the rate. So, fellow Vincentians, stand up and be a Champion for Water! Stand up and be a Champion for Life!

A message from the National Parks, Rivers and Beaches Authority

Tel: 4531623 Fax: 4531622

Email: nationalparkssvg@gmail.com