Eco-Journal,
v.16.3, May/June 2006Eco-Journal,
v.16.3, May/June 2006
By Audrey McClelland, volunteer with KAIROS, Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives
World Water Day has been observed on March 22 every year since 1993. The 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro (the Earth Summit) designated this day as a time when nations might bring attention to and implement the recommendations of the United Nations´ Agenda 21 dealing with the protection of and access to fresh water.
Stating that “Water is needed in all aspects of life,’ the signatories to Agenda 21 assert that their “general objective is to make certain that adequate supplies of water of good quality are maintained for the entire population of this planet, while preserving the hydrological, biological and chemical functions of ecosystems.’
The World Water Forum is one of the places where governments and water companies come together to address issues of water access. The 4th World Water Forum took place in Mexico City this year from March 16 to 22. ‘Controlling´ is perhaps the word that best captures the ambitious objective that underlies the World Water Forum—an objective that is contested by many of the world´s social movements. The Forum receives funding from the Canadian government and is organized by the World Water Council, which brings together major international financial institutions, a number of multinational corporations and different governments. Forum sponsors believe that privatizing water systems is still the best solution to the world´s water dilemma.
Community control of water resources
At the previous World Water Forum in Kyoto in 2003, activists from around the world demanded universal access to drinking water and lobbied against the privatization of water systems. The 2006 Forum, whose theme is “Local Actions for a Global Challenge,’ promised to be even more hotly contested. KAIROS, Development and Peace, and other groups stood in solidarity with our southern partners at the Forum in pressing for community control of water services—not privatization that benefits multinational corporations.
Our vision of water governance is one where “communities have true decision-making power and where profit and privatization are not the driving forces—very different than that which governments and water corporations pursued in Mexico City.“ (kairoscanada.org website).
World Water Day was celebrated in approximately 50 cities across Canada. Winnipeg´s celebration took place in the courtyard of City Hall at noon in the sun and chilly breeze. Approximately 130 people came, some with colourful messages on placards. The program opened by honouring Mother Earth with song and drumming, then representatives of the Aboriginal community, KAIROS, Development and Peace, Council of Canadians, CUPE and city and provincial governments spoke briefly. There was an interlude with the Winnipeg Raging Grannies´ satirical songs about bottled water and privatization. The hour ended with a solemn water ritual.
The event was planned with the help of Glen Koroluk of the Water Caucus at Manitoba Eco-Network and accomplished through the work of the members of the sponsoring organizations, including, Carolyn Garlich of the Council of Women of Winnipeg, Andre Goussaert and Diana Ludwick of Development and Peace, Margaret Maier and Florence Wiens of the Council of Canadians, Glenoria Molnar of CUPE, Chestor Rouleau and Wendy Maclean of St. Timothy´s Parish, Dennis Lewycky and Lesley Hughes who helped with media, and Lorraine Dumont who reported from the World Water Forum in Mexico City.
Thanks to all those who participated in the noon hour program, moderated by Bill Harrison (in order of appearance): Aboriginal elder Art Shofley, City councilor Gord Steeves, Assembly of First Nations Regional Vice-Chair Katherine Whitecloud, ELCIC Bishop Ray Schultz, Diana Ludwick, Winnipeg Raging Grannies, Kevin Rebeck, Barry Hammond, Rob Atlemeyer MLA, and Sheila Madden and friends.
And thanks to City Councillors Mike Pagtakhan and Justin Swandel, who moved the Water Declaration and the rest of City Council who passed it without debate:
What might happen next? Reports from the World Water Forum tell us that water was not yet recognized as a human right by the powers that be, and our mayor has been heard talking recently about public-private partnerships regarding water and sewer systems in this city. There is more to be done if water is to be for life, not for profit. There are many ways to get involved. See www.kairoscanada.org and our links page for starters.