Monday, May 5, 2008

Citizen Initiatives: El Faro

Making access to water and sanitation rights demands meaningful civil society participation.

By: J. Hoffmaister, ANPED

Aware of the importance of the contribution of civil society to improve access to drinking water and sanitation and their ability to create innovative solutions for sustainable development, Expo Zaragoza, June - September 2008, will create a pavilion and network to bring together civil society organizations: El Faro. Open to all civil society organizations, El Faro hopes to promote change in favour of sustainability among participants by showing alternative solutions to environmental challenges, especially water and ecosystems, through a multidisciplinary interactive space for dialogue. While condemning the lack of drinking water and sanitation for millions – a violation of human and environmental rights justified by economic interest — El Faro will present joint projects showcasing the daily work of social movements participating.

The guiding principles of the initiative are to raise awareness of the critical state of water in different ecosystems, and the need to take action, consistently, responsibly, and with a firm commitment to be part of the solution of present and future problems. With these principles in mind, El Faro will create eight messages on the basic human right to a clean drinking water supply and sanitation; degradation of aquatic systems; climate change; disaster risk management; large dams; Public water management; uses and abuses; and conflicts caused by water.

Visitors will have an opportunity to experience first hand some of the challenges faced every day by millions of people who for some reason or another have seen far-reaching changes to their traditional, natural and symbiotic relationship with water. They will also be invited to get involved in specific initiatives to improve this situation through co-operation or active struggle. To find out more, visit www.elfaro2008.org.