Such a seemingly simple molecule composed of just three atoms – two hydrogen and one oxygen. But as with so many simple things, absolutely critical for life on Earth!Humans can live for weeks without food, but only a few days without water. This is a fact that we tend to forget in a society where most of us can turn on a tap and obtain more than enough water to consume directly, to cook with, and to bathe and clean. But in many parts of the world, water is a commodity more precious than anything.
In many of these places, water is not easily accessible, or if accessible is not potable. These factors lead to acute and chronic health consequences, have negative impacts on educational opportunities, and limit agricultural and other socio-economic activities. This why water, together with sanitation and hygiene which depend on water, is one of Rotary’s seven areas of focus. Provision of water to those who do not have access to clean potable water is one way that we can help instill a sense of hope in those we seek to help, and by so doing help Create Hope in the World!
With this in mind, DGE Teresa Whitmore and I decided that we would introduce a D7040 Governors’ Initiative this year and support a Global Grant project to bring safe drinking water to an indigenous community in Amazonian Colombia. If you want to know more about this project, please contact your AG or me, and we can provide information as well as describe how you or your Club can make a commitment to the project. As many of you have heard me say during my Club visits, it does not take a lot for a Club or an individual to become involved in a Global Grant project, but our collective impact can be huge!
As I was thinking about the theme for this month’s message, I was struck by the fact that March 22 was World Water Day, during which we recognised the importance of water, but also used it to highlight the changes occurring in available water resources world-wide, most of which are related to changes in our global environment.
As Rotarians, we have chosen the environment as Rotary’s seventh area of focus and recognise April as Rotary’s Environmental Month. I know that many Clubs will have service activities this month to address various environmental issues, as will other organisations. I encourage you all to try to engage in one of these activities, whether sponsored by a Rotary Club or a non-Rotary organisation, to help enhance the quality of our natural environment, which will ultimately have a positive impact on the availability of that so essential resource – water!