The earth's living creatures are facing the consequences of water's reckless exploitation, and without a significant intervention, water scarcity may become irreversible in the next few years. Major causes include climate change, population growth, pollution, and development. In Blue Gold: The Fight to Stop the Corporate Theft of the World's Water, co-authors Maude Barlow and Tony Clarke write: "the human race has taken water for granted and massively misjudged the capacity of the earth's water systems to recover from our carelessness." The book, an inspiration for Water Water, makes a frighteningly strong case for the jeopardy water is in.
Launching in March 2003, Water Water is a New York City-based collaborative multi-media event paying homage to this irreplaceable element. Water Water is designed to focus public attention on water issues and how they play out on the local, regional, national, and global levels. The festival takes a three-layered approach to water, encouraging celebration, education, and empowerment. We will offer inspired arts activities/performances, a forum for public discussion, installations/facts about water, and an activist tool kit. Events being staged in New York City are timed to coincide with the 3rd World Water Forum in Kyoto, Japan where two Water Water reporters will be on location to produce daily video reports. This immediate coverage will provide a unique perspective on the key water policy issues under consideration at the global table. Individuals who participate in Water Water events will leave empowered with an increased awareness of the issues at stake, and with resources for staying informed and taking action in protecting our inalienable right to water.
An expanding group of committed individuals from across the U.S. is producing Water Water, together with two key organizations, Action Against Hunger USA (AAH) and Free Speech TV (FSTV). AAH is providing fiscal sponsorship as well creating and advising regarding festival content. For nearly 25 years, AAH has been providing assistance to victims of natural and human-made disasters -- in 40 countries around the world -- through programs centered on nutrition, water and sanitation, food security and health. Clean water and sanitation prevent the spread of disease, so the organization provides access to safe drinking water by drilling wells, tapping springs, and installing water systems. AAH also trains local teams and whole communities to maintain equipment and to recognize the importance of clean water and sanitation. FSTV uses television to cultivate an informed and active citizenry in order to advance progressive social change. Via a combination of public access stations and satellite dishes, they reach 11 million households. FSTV is producing video content and covering festival activities; they will also use their CyberCar -- a mobile TV studio in a 42 foot bus equipped with flat-screen video display and exterior speakers -- to outreach to passers-by. FSTV will then satellite cast a two-hour water special on Sunday, March 23rd. Additional organizations collaborating on the event include New York City Friends of Clearwater, Riverkeeper, Catalysta Networks, Public Citizen, Sweetwater Alliance, the Center for Economic and Social Rights, and Croton Watershed Clean Water Coalition.
We need your help! Please contact us if you'd like support to Water Water, whether it's with your time, ideas, or via donation.
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