Nabil Musa is the first “waterkeeper” in Iraq and the Middle East. His mission is to protect the waterways of northern Iraq, and specifically, the upper Tigris River, so that its water remains swimmable, fishable and drinkable. Musa paddles the waterways in his kayak to raise awareness about environmental threats to the river. In a country largely known to outsiders for war and conflict, the beauty of this ancient river might surprise you.
Another water protector, who faces similar threats to waters all over the world, with so few protectors watching out, guarding, making a difference. Mni Wiconi. Water Is Life, we all need a profound understanding of that.
Via Great Big Story.
Marked to watch the video later at home.
Many successes to him, may he educate enough people to make sure the importance of a clean river is carried on to still other people.
Whatever this guy gets done will be hugely beneficial. Apart from Euphrates and Tigris (and below their confluence, Shatt-al-Arab), there’s very little freshwater in lowland parts of Iraq.
The video got me thinking about littering. I’m not in any way original, but it only now occurred to me why littering may have been more acceptable to the extent it happened in the past (e.g. leaving fish bones or fruit peels on the ground after eating outdoors), as opposed to such a problem now are the modern materials which are cheap and slow to degrade and inedible to animals.
People have always been slobs, but it’s true, our waste has gotten less and less organic.