If you’ve ever read this blog before, you will be well aware that we think living in Colombia as an expat is just about as good as it gets. Sure, we have gripes and complaints, but on the whole it’s a thoroughly enjoyable experience.
However, for all the greatness that Colombia has to offer, we must stop to think about the problems that exist in this country and in the wider world. And today, World Water Day, seems like the perfect time to discuss some of these problems. For lack of clean water and sanitation is the world’s fourth biggest killer, with 2000 children dying every day – more than as a result of war or any other kind of violence. With over a billion people on the planet lacking access to clean water, it is obvious that action has to be taken.
Not only do too many people not have access to clean water, millions of people have to walk for several hours every day just to reach a swamp or stagnant lake, their only source of water. Furthermore, over a third of the world’s population does not have adequate sanitation, which can lead to life-threatening diseases.
The lack of clean water has several knock-on effects. The water is used for crops and agriculture and can lead to further health problems, meaning that people are unable to work or study. Something as simple as good sanitation and clean water can mean more time to raise healthy children, more money for education and other essential services and the chance for people to pull themselves out of poverty.
Despite the fact that 80% of those world-wide without access to clean water live in either Eastern Asia, Southern Asia or sub-Saharan Africa, Colombia has a number of water-related issues. Bogota’s river, for example, is one of the most polluted in the world. This sad detail is exacerbated by the fact that the river itself is set in absolutely spectacular surroundings, with winding mountain roads, dense green forests and ethereal clouds clinging onto the peaks of the majestic mountains. Through this awe-inspiring landscape, the river slowly flows, thick with waste and pollution, trudging along lazily in the stunning valley.
The lack of care for the local environment has hindered what would be innumerable opportunities to make money from tourism in the area. More importantly, however, many deprived communities rely on this river for their livelihood and put their health at risk every day. Yet they have no other choice.
That’s where Fundacion Rio Urbano comes into the picture. This organisation, who we will be hosting on our servers, is dedicated to promoting conservation and good river management in Colombia’s urban areas and their surroundings. You may remember when we just met here. This is a thoroughly worthwhile cause that aims to bring clean water, a fundamental human right, to everyone in this wonderful country. They need all the support they can get and it is up to all of us, who love Colombia and want to see it grow and develop, to make a real change.
Take a look at the following infographic and please donate! And for more information about Fundacion Rio Urbano, please email [email protected]
Click Here for an interactive version – Able Skills Construction Courses
