Water Privatization and Pollution
In an age of growing water scarcity worldwide, precious water resources, on which life depends for survival, are becoming more and more threatened by corporate control, commoditization, abuse and contamination. Today, water is treated more as an economic resource than a life-supporting and sustaining resource. Industrial and commercial uses of water have been given priority over those of human consumption, religious, cultural, livelihood and agricultural purposes.
Joining Hands supports efforts that advance the right of access to clean water for all peoples and protect water from pollution and commoditization.
- In Bolivia, UMAVIDA is campaigning for better water quality and public policy that prevents the further contamination and overuse of water by extractive industry companies.
- In Peru, Uniendo Manos is campaigning for fair access to clean water by marginal populations: 1) Campaigning for the protection of the environment and health of the population of La Oroya and 2) Incorporating participatory and sustainable systems to manage the care of river basins.
- In Sri Lanka, Praja Abhilasha is campaigning to protect access to coastal lands and waters for marginalized fishing and agricultural communities displaced from their land by a growing tourism industry following the 2005 tsunami.
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Water Resources
Rebecca Barnes-Davies of the PCUSA Environmental Office has compiled liturgies, prayers and links for use in a vigil or in a World Water Day service.
