Happy World Water Day!

Today is World Water Day ! Water and Energy are of increasing importance to small island developing states like the Caribbean . In Guyana there are 200 identified sites that could be potential sources for hydroelectric power. With the further onset of global warming and climate change the debate around water resources is set the heat up over the next decade because as the world's population grows resources will become more scarce and put a strain on both developed and developing state economies. There are great possibilities for the Caribbean to further tap into hydroelectric and other sources of renewable energy such as solar and wind energy. The theme of this world water day is water & energy recognizing the strong link between the two.

The United Nations hopes to further address access to safe drinking water ,adequate sanitation  and improve the provision of food and energy services to impoverished populations all over the world. I believe that it is only with a holistic approach by all stakeholders including populations all over the world to realize the long term and short term goals to reach true energy security and a sustainable green economy .Politicians,religious leaders,NGO's and other civil society actors ,government ,youth and even you can play your part in contributing to building a sustainable green economy .According to the United Nations 768 million people are lacking access to improved water sources and 2.5 billion people have no improved sanitation .These are shocking statistics showing how water and energy are affecting impoverished individuals.

So What Can WE DO ?

• We MUST learn to conserve more water and energy in general 
• Switch OFF  lights and PLUG dripping sinks . Small actions count!
• We MUST press our leaders at all levels to improve sanitation and access to water for those who do not have it. Become an advocate today!
• ENCOURAGE our leaders to create relevant ,effective and informed policies that can be realistically implemented to help the worlds poor by reducing   inefficiencies,barriers and all forms of inequality 
• USE this  Very Cool Energy Consumption App here to help you conserve energy :https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=at.topfen.ecas
• PLAY & LEARN from these Creative UNAOC Winners Games highlighting water use and other relevant issues 
• USE energy saving light bulbs 

I leave you  with a collage of some of my favorite water pictures taken during my recent travels to the SIDS Countries of Grenada and Mauritius . I hope you enjoy them!

Check out these additional resources on World Water Day here : http://www.unwater.org/worldwaterday/campaign-materials/documents-and-information-resources/es/