SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2006
Let the Rivers Run:
A plan for the intelligent management of water and the re-greening of Nicaragua 's watersheds
In this action plan, please find:
1) Introduction to the deforestation and water crises in the Global South
2) Outline of the project to address these crises in five departments in Nicaragua
3) What you and your local committee can do to help!
2006-7
1) Introduction to the deforestation and water crises in the Global South
Water is the very fount of all life; forests are its essential counterpart. Yet, all over the planet, rivers are dying, water-tables are falling, lakes are being contaminated, forests torn down. As always, it's the peoples of the Global South who pay the heaviest price for the northern countries' unsustainable lifestyle. And no southern country pays more heavily than Nicaragua , much of which is fast becoming a desert, threaded through with dying rivers and wrack-thin cattle. Whole communities that once lived and thrived from the abundant rivers now dig holes in the dry bottoms to find even enough water to wash in; farmers watch helplessly as their cattle die of dehydration; once-overflowing wells are sinking fast, their increasingly brackish water contaminated from the surrounding wastelands.
2) Outline of the project to address these crises in five departments in Nicaragua
Faced with this appalling reality, some of Nicaragua Network 's partners in Nicaragua have taken the initiative in turning back the desertification tide - in Nicaragua to begin with, but also as part of a broader "Another World is Possible" movement gathering strength around the globe. CIPRES (Center for the Investigation and Promotion of Rural and Social Development), FEDICAMP (Federation for the Integral Development of Peasant Farmers), the banana workers poisoned by NEMAGON, and others have developed "Let the Rivers Run," a comprehensive plan for the intelligent management of water and the re-greening of Nicaragua's watersheds. The campaign is already at work in Madriz, Nueva Segovia, Estelí, León and Chinandega, the northern Departments where desertification is at its worst. Together they comprise approximately one sixth of Nicaragua 's total land area.
While complete reforestation is the long-term goal, there are many steps that can be taken now. The local communities are already taking action. But they need tools and materials to make their work truly effective. The CIPRES coalition is already providing training in capturing rainwater; education in water use and re-use; prevention of brush and forest fires and of farm animal incursion into river sources; fencing areas for natural regeneration; drip irrigation; plastic bottle recycling for individual plant irrigation; soil stabilization, including terracing, plant barriers and living fences; the collection of local seeds and the development of nurseries where these seeds can germinate.
3) What you and your local committee can do to help!
This is where our help is vital and immediately necessary. The construction of one cistern, a large water storage pit lined and covered with concrete, requires US$350, roughly one-third the cost of a Latte per day per year. This sum includes tools, cement, sand, plastic piping for irrigation/house use, a low-tech grey water filter, a simple pump - and life for a school or clinic or for a family. Beyond the plans and training, the local community does the physical work. The Nicaragua Network invites you, your family, your committee, your work place, your faith community, your trade union, your school, to adopt at least one cistern.
Adopt a tree (or many trees) in the north of Nicaragua . For just US$36 you can have 15 trees planted in Leon, Chinandega, Nueva Segovia, Estelí or Madriz in Nicaragua . Give trees in Nicaragua as holiday gifts to your relatives and friends who "have everything!" "Let the Rivers Run" will plant mangoes, avocados, oranges and other productive trees on the banks of streams to protect the flow of water and provide food for the people in the villages in the area.
Or if you prefer, organize a group to raise money for trees and join local Nicaraguans in planting the trees in specific towns or villages in the participating regions. Sister City committees who are partnered with towns in the north of Nicaragua will find this an excellent way to interest young people and environmentalists in Nicaragua and its struggle to preserve its water and natural habitat. The Nicaragua Network will also be organizing reforestation brigades to join in this effort where are partners feel they are most needed.
Without water, nothing survives, there is no life. The bell never tolled more truly for all of us than today. Our world is completely interdependent. Without our support, Nicaraguan communities are hamstrung, the rivers die. But, equally, without Nicaragua 's forests and fresh water, the USA will not survive. Together we can make the rivers live. Let's do it!
For more information about the campaign, write nicanet@afgj.org or call (202) 544 9355.
Click here to read about the ‘Let the Rivers Run!' Campaign speaking tour which visited seven states across the United States
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