Did you know World Water Day happens on March 22nd every year? It was started by the United Nations in 1993 to increase awareness about all manner of global water issues and draw attention to just how important water is in our lives.
At POLIS, we’d usually be hosting a big public event here in Victoria to bring attention to priority water issues. This year? That can’t happen. But, we weren’t about to let World Water Day flow by without any fanfare!
To mark this day we’ve collaborated with colleagues at the Canadian Freshwater Alliance, Cowichan Valley Earth Guardians, and Watershed Watch Salmon Society to bring you a bundle of outreach materials to celebrate and explore freshwater issues in B.C. and beyond.
So, dive in, scroll down, and Choose Your Own World Water Day Adventure!
From a brand-new freshwater podcast, to an online zine celebrating water through the creativity of young people, to an upcoming webinar on water resilience, to an interview with inspiring freshwater changemakers, we’re confident there is something here for everyone! We hope you enjoy.
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The Freshwater Stream Podcast
This brand-new podcast is about British Columbia’s watersheds and the people who care about them. Join host Danielle Paydli as she talks to people all over B.C. to find out about the challenges facing their local watersheds and what can be done to solve them. The podcast is a collaborative effort between the Canadian Freshwater Alliance and Watershed Watch Salmon Society. Listen>
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Growing a Watershed Movement
This beautiful illustration communicates the unfolding journey over the last decade towards a place-based, watershed governance approach in B.C., using the biennial Watersheds forums as touchpoints along the way. Illustration by Sam Bradd of Drawing Change. View>
As well, videos from the most recent Watersheds 2020 forum are now posted! Watch>
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Ripples Online Zine
Young people, particularly youth artists, are creating ripples in the world of water guardianship. See for yourself in Ripples. Created by youth, this arts zine showcases artwork, short stories, poetry, and photography that celebrates a shared love of and connection to water—all created by youth and kids ages four to 20. Read>
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Changing Attitudes. Changing Waters.
2020 Freshwater Community Survey
This new survey illuminates perspectives within British Columbia’s freshwater community on progress, challenges, gaps, and needs to strengthen water sustainability and watershed governance and security in B.C. Reponses point to important trends to drive evolution in thinking for researchers, practitioners, funders, and those working closest to the issues. Read>
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Virtual Book Launch
“Water Resilience: Management and Governance in Times of Change”
Join us at a virtual book launch this Wednesday, March 24th, hosted as part of POLIS’ Creating a Blue Dialogue webinar series! Speakers will discuss their work on a new, international book exploring how a water resilience perspective can help us navigate water management and governance during unprecedented times of change. Register>
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A Celebration of Freshwater Changemakers
In this Shaw TV Spotlight, you’ll meet three inspiring changemakers and community leaders who are working to protect B.C.’s freshwater future. Recorded in October 2020, host Laura Brandes talks with Katia Bannister, Fin Donnelly, and Keely Weget-Whitney. Watch>
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