"Empowering Communities for Safe Water Access: A Collaborative Approach"
Water scarcity and inaccessibility affect over two billion people worldwide, a staggering figure that highlights the urgent need for effective and sustainable water governance. The challenges surrounding water management are complex and intertwined with those of land and food systems, further exacerbated by the climate crisis. A recent Nature commentary brings together four scholars who emphasize the importance of community involvement in water governance to foster a more equitable and sustainable relationship between water and society.
Dr. Farhana Sultana, an interdisciplinary human geographer, shares her personal experiences of water insecurity during her childhood in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Her early exposure to the unpredictability of water availability and the devastating consequences of climate-related disasters sparked her dedication to tackling water injustices. Sultana's research underscores the importance of addressing the root causes of environmental harms and social inequities in tandem, with a particular focus on climate justice.
Tara McAllister, a marine biologist and freshwater ecologist, brings attention to the dire state of New Zealand's freshwater ecosystems. Despite the country's pristine image, only 10% of wetlands remain, and only half of rivers are suitable for swimming. McAllister advocates for the return of stolen lands and waters to Māori people, who have a deep connection with nature and a stewardship approach to environmental management.
Suparana Katyaini, a researcher at the Council on Energy, Environment and Water, highlights the need for better understanding and integration of water, food, and land systems in India. By examining the interlinkages between these systems, Katyaini aims to inform policies and move towards unifying water, food, and land governance.
Michael Blackstock, an independent Indigenous scholar, promotes a water-centered perspective, or 'blue ecology', that acknowledges water's spiritual role in nature and our lives. By shifting attitudes towards water and fostering a sense of gratitude and restrained consumption, Blackstock believes that future generations will survive with dignity.
The collective voices of these scholars emphasize the importance of community-led approaches, collaboration, and partnerships in achieving safe water access for all. By involving Indigenous and local communities in water governance and climate planning, a just and sustainable future can be realized.
Source: <https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-024-00886-z>
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