World Water Day: Water you doing for the planet?

NER / HISTORY & CULTURE

Travel and tourism is one of fastest growing industries in the world, with millions of people travelling to destinations every year. While the industry brings economic benefits to local communities the world over, one cannot ignore the negative impacts that it can have on a region’s environment. Today, on World Water Day, let us look at the small steps that we can take to give back to regions we visit, when it comes to water conservation.

Though it may sound very specific and random, it has never been more important to discuss this topic. The North East of India has always been known as a region filled with natural resources. Who would ever consider such an untouched region to ever have a water problem? Well, you’d be surprised at the number of places that are needing to buy fresh water every year. Whether it be cities like Guwahati, or popular tourist destinations like Ziro in Arunachal Pradesh, or even record holders (rainfall) like Mawsynram and Cherrapunjee in Meghalaya. Yes, even the rainiest destinations in the world are facing huge problems of water scarcity in the winter months

As operators in the region, we would like to urge our travellers to constantly think of how travel can be used as a force for good while visiting these destinations instead of letting our footprints affect the region negatively. That being said, let’s go into 5 ways that you, as a traveller, can contribute when it comes to water conservation in the places you travel to-

Learn About Local Environmental Issues

Do some research before you travel to understand the local water situation. Some regions face water scarcity,
and others may have issues with water quality. Talk to your local hosts about their relationship with water. By
understanding these issues, you can make informed choices about how to use water responsibly during your
trip.

Be Water-Wise

As a tourist, you can take simple steps to reduce your water consumption, such as taking shorter showers, turning off the tap while brushing your teeth, and reusing towels. Also, although it does not directly aid to water conservation, while we are on the water topic, always consider using refillable water bottles rather than buying single-use plastic water bottles to reduce the impact of your presence in the region.

Support and Promote Sustainable Tourism Practices

Choose accommodations, restaurants, and tour operators that prioritize sustainability and responsible practices surrounding water resources.

Though it is ideal to look for and encourage stays that use water-saving technologies and practices, such as low-flow toilets and faucets, rainwater harvesting, and grey water recycling, when it comes to the North East of India, very few properties that are truly responsible are around. That’s why, even when you visit a property or homestay that is not as aware, learn to first gently guide and motivate them instead of trying to school or shame a local person on how their home should be more responsible. Not everyone is aware about the water issues of the world or the best steps forward to minimize these problems. After all, a lot of times, “best steps” are ideas from a western perspective – and very often, in your travels, you will find bits of local rural knowledge that is way ahead of what many modern cities may be aware of!

Participate in and encourage community-led initiatives that support sustainable water management.

Many destinations are now initiating community-led programs that are exploring responsible tourism and sustainable development, including conservation of essential resources like water through tourism. While spending time in a region, or researching it, learn more about these so you can participate in and support them while there. From a distance, you can always consider donating to credible organisations (please do your research) who address such issues.

The Cabinet after detailed a deliberation approved the Meghalaya State Water Policy 2019. It is historic for #Meghalaya as we have become the first State in the country to have a State water policy.@PMOIndia @narendramodi @gssjodhpur pic.twitter.com/KRsdx8NyEv
— Conrad K Sangma (@SangmaConrad) July 12, 2019

Share Your Knowledge and Experiences

Once you return home, share your knowledge and experiences with others. Encourage your friends and family to be conscious and to support sustainable tourism practices that promote water conservation and sustainable use of water resources.

Conclusion

By taking small steps towards responsible travel, we can help protect the environment and preserve the natural resources of the regions we explore. Let’s make a conscious effort to be water-wise, support sustainable tourism practices, learn about local water issues, participate in community-led initiatives, and share our knowledge and experiences with others. Together, we can ensure that our planet’s water resources are protected for generations to come.