Under a new partnership, Rotary and the United Nations Environment Programme (Unep) are launching the 'Community Action for Fresh Water' initiative, focusing on the protection of freshwater ecosystems, the two said in a joint statement.
In response to escalating challenges like pollution, climate change, and habitat degradation, this initiative is set to enhance both the conservation and monitoring of freshwater ecosystems globally, they said.
“Partnering with Unep empowers Rotary members to significantly contribute to freshwater conservation efforts, beginning with the waterways in their own communities,” said Rotary International President Gordon McInally.
“Through this collaboration, our members will bring local solutions to global challenges, directly impacting the health and sustainability of their communities.”
Through this initiative, Rotary said it will leverage its global network to initiate community-based solutions that directly influence freshwater ecosystems and can be carried out at the watershed level.
Members will engage in identifying and protecting important local bodies of water, collaborating closely with local stakeholders. Their activities will encompass organizing cleanup and conservation campaigns, conducting educational initiatives on water conservation, participating in habitat restoration, and monitoring water quality.
“Freshwater ecosystems are essential for the well-being of our planet, providing crucial services from biodiversity stability to water supply for communities,” said Leticia Carvalho, Head of Unep's Marine and Freshwater Branch.
