|
22 March - World Water Day 2006: Water and Culture
HOW TO GET INVOLVED?
World Water Day celebrates the importance of water in our daily lives and in the life of our planet; it is an international event, and one that welcomes each and every attempt at participation. You are what makes the Day a success; it is your actions and celebrations that put the Day on the calendar; you make the difference. Are you interested in getting involved in World Water Day 2006 but aren't sure where to begin? Here are some ideas to get you started!
This year's World Water Day is focused on water and culture, so your activity or event might want to explore the idea that water and culture are both essential facets of human existence. Culture encompasses a great many things - from art and literature, to lifestyles, ways of living together in society, traditions and beliefs. The way water is used and valued is part of each culture's identity. Without water, we could not live. Without culture, we would have no social identity. Try to bring the two together when planning your celebration of water!
Remember, World Water Day is an opportunity for everyone to get involved, and you're only limited by your imagination: you don't have to be a part of an organization to be a part of the Day, but in order for your event or celebration to have the maximum impact, it's a good idea to let the World Water Day Secretariat know what you're planning, as well as your national focal point!
- Contact your national focal point, keep them involved and informed about the activities you expect to develop for that day. That way, they can help to publicize the event, and even help you to plan it. The more people who know about it, the more impact your event will have!
- Contact the World Water Day (WWD) 2006 Secretariat so that we include your event or activity in the WWD 2006 website. That's important so that everyone who checks the official World Water Day website can find out what's happening around their area and plan to attend or help.
- Foster a dialogue between cultures to find solutions for water-related problems. To raise awareness and build capacities, it's important for everyone to be aware of each other's cultural differences, and for people from all over to participate in finding solutions. For example, you can organize a panel between people of different cultures so that they can share their beliefs about water, and learn from each other how water is valued in another culture. Or put together a newsletter: ask people from your school, office, or other organization to write short articles about how their culture values water. What solutions have they found to a particular water problem? Assemble the articles in a newsletter, and distribute it! It's a great way to invite people to get involved, and to share each other's knowledge and culture.
- Encourage the active involvement of indigenous peoples in all your activities. Their beliefs and traditions could be very different to what you are used to, and could lead to a greater understanding of how water is valued across different cultures.
- Encourage artistic expression on water issues to foster understanding and share information. Drawings, photographs, audiovisual materials and the performing arts are a great way to communicate across cultural and language borders. How about writing a short play about a water ritual in your culture? Or re-enacting a story about water? You could also get your friends and family to help you put together an art exhibit on water: collect drawings or paintings that have to do with water and hang them on a wall in your home. Another idea is to write a song or poem about water and what it means to your culture - be creative!
- Encourage the creation and dissemination of information on water and culture in your community. Involve schools, universities, as well as people in your workplace and at home. Talk to your friends about water and culture, ask them how they value water. You might be surprised at what you all learn!
|
|
PUBLICATION
 Water and Indigenous Peoples, 2006
The publication is based on the papers delivered on the occasion of the 2nd and 3rd World Water Forums (The Hague in 2000 and Kyoto in 2003) and brings some of the most incisive indigenous critics of international debates on water access, use and management, as well as community knowledge and insights in order to tackle the global water crisis.
:: Read more
CONTACT
UNESCO
World Water Day 2006
Division of Water Sciences
1 rue Miollis
75732 Paris CEDEX 15
France
wwd2006@unesco.org
QUOTES'Due to its fundamental role in society's life, water has a strong cultural dimension. Without understanding and considering the cultural aspects of our water problems, no sustainable solution can be found.'
Session on Water and Cultural Diversity, Statement to the Ministerial Conference, 3rd World Water Forum, 22 March 2003
GLOSSARY
Culture
The set of distinctive spiritual, material, intellectual and emotional features of society or a social group, [...] it encompasses, in addition to art and literature, lifestyles, ways of living together, value systems, traditions and beliefs.
Source: UNESCO Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity [PDF format - 795 KB]
|
|
UNESCO.ORG
