Community Action for Fresh Water

Rotary Club members are interested in the environment. Several members got together to form the Adopt A River Group aligning with the Rotary /UNEP partnership which began in 2020, and involving members of other clubs. Community Action for Fresh Water is very much a part of the activity of the Rotary International 7th area of focus – the Environment.

Background

Community Action for Fresh Water originated from the Adopt A River initiative started in July 2023.

Rotary Club members are interested in the environment. Several members got together to form the Adopt A River Group aligning with the Rotary /UNEP partnership which began in 2020, and involving members of other clubs.

A partnership business case, with Styx Living Laboratory Trust (SLLT), was developed and signed the by Rotary District Governor on 24th August 2023. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with SLLT was then signed off on 24th October 2023.

In November 2023, Rotary and UNEP determined a new name for this initiative, the “Community Action for Fresh Water”.( https://www.rotary.org/en/rotary-unep-partnership). Our group changed our name to CAFW D9999 and registered with the CAFW global group in February 2024.

Why are we involved in Community Action for Fresh Water?

Community Action for Fresh Water is very much a part of the activity of the Rotary International 7th area of focus – the Environment.

“Freshwater ecosystems and their biodiversity are important to society. They provide drinking water, water for irrigation, fish and other food, recreational opportunities, and transport routes, among a host of other essentials. Yet, all too often, they suffer from pollution, overuse and climate change. UNEP believes that the key to protecting and sustaining natural ecosystems is engaging, educating and motivating the communities that live close to those ecosystems.

For this reason, community-based Rotary clubs are important actors in this initiative.”


 

How will CAFW D9999 achieve this?

CAFW D9999’s strategy is to connect, engage, share knowledge, collaborate with Rotary Clubs of the South Island and motivate them to work their local waterways communities.

What does CAFW D9999 activities look like?

These are early days for CAFW D9999 and the focus has been primarily in Christchurch. Some of the activities we are pursuing include:

  • Raising awareness – we have given several presentations to Christchurch Rotary Clubs.

  • Community activities – easy, fun filled, learning activities (see attached) with Rotary members and other community groups.

  • Partnering – we are working to get involved with Christchurch Council Waterways Community

  • Sponsoring project – School Biodiversity Education Project (July to Dec 2024) for 500 students

  • Sharing information – plans to share case studies through webinars later this year.

CAFW D9999 envisions more Rotary Clubs in the South Island collaborating with their local waterways community for the betterment of fresh water ecosystems.