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March 22 is World Water Day!
Every March 22 the world comes together to celebrate World Water Day. It is a time to focus attention on the importance of freshwater and advocate for its sustainable management. Thanks to the United Nations General Assembly, the world has been observing World Water Day since 1993. BECQ’s Division of Coastal Resources Management is hosting events to celebrate not only freshwater, but also the importance of our oceans. It has been said many times before, but water is life.
Water may be the most common substance on Earth, but less than 1 percent of the water on Earth is available for everyday use; the rest is salt water, inaccessible, or frozen. Saipan is lucky that we have access to freshwater and are capable of purchasing drinking water at an affordable price. Many are not as lucky; about one in eight of the world’s population do not have clean drinking water. The human body can only survive three days without water since water makes up 55 percent to 75 percent of the body.
Freshwater is important, but the water that surrounds our islands is equally important. Globally about 500 million people depend on coral reefs for their livelihood and so do we. The reefs that grow around Saipan provide food, give protection from storms, and are housing medication. Just like freshwater, our salt water is also in danger.
DCRM wants to share their knowledge about the importance of water and raise awareness. Participate in the daily water quiz posted in the local paper, friend Primo CRM on Facebook to learn fun water facts, and visit an ACE for water saving tips. Join in our World Water Day activities on March 22 including a guided CNMI Snorkels program around the tanks meeting at the beach by Naked Fish from 9am-12pm, canvas bag giveaway at Joeten Susupe from 10am-12pm, and a book reading and craft at the public library starting at 10:30am. Happy World Water Day!
