Learning From Waterkeepers Around the World

By Dave Sligh

Last week, I had the great fortune to get together with other Riverkeepers, as well as Baykeepers, Coastkeepers and others from around the world at the annual Waterkeeper Alliance conference. As Riverkeepers, Chuck Frederickson and I are part of this great Alliance of folks who, like us, are trying to protect and improve their waters and communities. There are now around 200 of these programs on nearly every continent (we haven't got Antarctica covered yet but stay tuned).

Talking to this diverse group of colleagues from many different areas and with many different backgrounds always makes me focus on two particular ideas:

First, no matter where they live, all people depend on clean water - and this dependence goes far beyond the need for safe drinking water. Communities were historically formed around water bodies and they constitute a vital part of our lives, by providing for commerce, recreation, and an overall quality of life that we just can't have without clean and safe streams, estuaries, coasts, etc. The Waterkeepers in every area are there to support the values and the needs of our neighbors and our focus on local resources and the knowledge of our own home areas is vital to success.

Second, we always need to remember how fortunate we are to retain such a beautiful and healthy environment, but we can't take it for granted. When I hear the stories of Waterkeepers from China, Russia, Central and South America, and other regions, I quickly recognize that the challenges and problems we are facing, while similar to those others face, are often mild in comparison to those we could encounter.

My friends below, who work on the Han River in China, face dangers and a degree of government resistance and corporate corruption that I can hardly fathom.

And the feisty gentleman below continues to work for the health of his community in Mexico, even in the face of violence. Just this year, he was attacked and beaten but he won't quit.

I thank all of these brave and resolute folks for inspiring me even more to do this job and I count my blessings that so many people in Virginia support the work we do.