Water Defenders
People like David Aguirre, Humberto Zuniga, and Mirian Delmy de Diaz have worked hard for their right to clean water and have risked so much. Some of these water defenders were imprisoned due to protesting of the government on water regulations. They have been released, but their names have been tarnished. Others who wish to take the name of a water defender know the risk but continue fighting for their right to water. Each of these civilians belongs to a community and strives to make water available for their people and for all people in El Salvador no matter the cost.
Limits
For a long time, we treated water as limitless, and the incentive structures in cities and rural areas pushed people towards unsustainable practices. Water distribution being highly subsidized by governments doesn’t help create awareness about its actual value. We must make measurable efforts to change water-use habits in a global scale.
The sustainability of water interventions is essential if we want communities to actually have better opportunities for development in the future. Helping community leaders take ownership of their water solutions and transferring that to their neighbors is one of the best ways to ensure projects remain a part of people’s lives.
El Salvador is one that will lead by example. Fighting against big cooperation and legislation caused a ripple effect of trust and advocacy within the community. You, too, can rise up and make your voice heard, especially for those who are silenced.
People like David Aguirre, Humberto Zuniga, and Mirian Delmy de Diaz have worked hard for their right to clean water and have risked so much. Some of these water defenders were imprisoned due to protesting of the government on water regulations. They have been released, but their names have been tarnished. Others who wish to take the name of a water defender know the risk but continue fighting for their right to water. Each of these civilians belongs to a community and strives to make water available for their people and for all people in El Salvador no matter the cost.
Limits
For a long time, we treated water as limitless, and the incentive structures in cities and rural areas pushed people towards unsustainable practices. Water distribution being highly subsidized by governments doesn’t help create awareness about its actual value. We must make measurable efforts to change water-use habits in a global scale.
The sustainability of water interventions is essential if we want communities to actually have better opportunities for development in the future. Helping community leaders take ownership of their water solutions and transferring that to their neighbors is one of the best ways to ensure projects remain a part of people’s lives.
El Salvador is one that will lead by example. Fighting against big cooperation and legislation caused a ripple effect of trust and advocacy within the community. You, too, can rise up and make your voice heard, especially for those who are silenced.
Donate to U.S. El Salvador Sister Cities
Your generosity makes Sister Cities’ work possible! The defense of our environment and natural resources is one of the clearest ways in which we share common struggles with our Salvadoran sisters and brothers. The struggle for clean water, protection from transnational mining companies, and agricultural practices that prioritize healthy people over healthy profits are just a few examples of struggles that are just as real in the United States as they are in El Salvador and other places throughout the world. For this reason, we believe it is essential to join forces and learn from one another’s challenges and successes.
Your generosity makes Sister Cities’ work possible! The defense of our environment and natural resources is one of the clearest ways in which we share common struggles with our Salvadoran sisters and brothers. The struggle for clean water, protection from transnational mining companies, and agricultural practices that prioritize healthy people over healthy profits are just a few examples of struggles that are just as real in the United States as they are in El Salvador and other places throughout the world. For this reason, we believe it is essential to join forces and learn from one another’s challenges and successes.