A “blue community” is one that adopts a water commons framework by taking the three actions outlined below.
What’s the chance of Christchurch becoming the first Blue Community in Aotearoa?
A water commons framework treats water as a common good that is shared by everyone and the responsibility of all. Because water is central to human activity, it must be governed by principles that allow for reasonable use, equal distribution and responsible treatment in order to preserve water for nature and future generations.
A Blue Community adopts a water commons framework by:
- Recognizing water and sanitation as human rights.
- Banning or phasing out the sale of bottled water in municipal facilities and at municipal events.
- Promoting publicly financed, owned and operated water and waste water services.
This link is to a guide which provides information and resources to help achieve these goals
I am super excited to see and hear about this initiative. Aotearoa Water Action will be behind this 100%. Great stuff. Let’s do it!
thanks Peter – some great ideas around the world. My issue that it does not seem to address commercial use of water.
Possibly because the goals they’ve listed are achievable and less contentious. Chuck in commercial use issues and you divide your movement – but you’re right, commercial use needs to be addressed. We just all have different ideas about the HOW. We definitely need to be having that discussion. My concern is that the officials are figuring it out for us behind the scenes
thanks Niki, yes more transparency is important
I would love to see this happen! Also – a public advertising campaign to help reduce the dropping of litter that is infiltrating our drains and rivers (remember the ‘Be a tidy kiwi’?) and recycling centres in our Council buildings and malls for plastic bottles etc. The gas stations have started this…it would be great to see more 🙂
thanks Charlotte 🙂