WaterHeroes

She dreams of Drinkable Rivers as indicators of healthy living. She mobilizes people for water and whole healthy and thriving ecosystems. During the summer of 2018, she walked 1061km from the source of the River Meuse to the North-sea for Drinkable Rivers (Documentary: Drinkable Meuse). Li An Phoa is a university teacher (ecology, business, philosophy) at the Nyenrode Business School and at the Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University (taught outdoor master electives 'Sustainability Grand Challenges: Polluted Rivers'). She shares her vision on ecology and economy with her nomadic school, Spring College.

#River_Restoration #Community_Leaders #Educational_Campaigns

Australian ultra-marathon runner Mina Guli wants everyone to know that the world is running out of freshwater. In order to do that she attempted a physical feat so extreme; most people would consider it impossible — running 100 marathons in 100 days across the world. Mina is driven by urgency: but when her body literally broke during marathon 62, Mina thought all was lost. Unexpectedly, the campaign took on a life of its own on social media across the globe.

More inspiration: https://ab.co/2XNSpXu 

#Water_Resources_Conservation #Activist&Advocates #Educational_Campaigns

Marine biologist @SylviaEarle has spent more than four decades at the forefront of ocean exploration -- and at age 83, she shows no signs of slowing down. Earle was the first female chief scientist of the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and was named Time magazine’s 1998 "Hero of the Planet.” Under Dr. Earle’s leadership, the @MissionBlue team implements communications campaigns that elevate Hope Spots to the world stage through documentaries, (social) media and innovative tools. Mission Blue has launched nearly 100 #HopeSpots in all four corners of the globe. The Hope Spots campaign reaches 500 million people online each year. “We are blessed with an Ocean. The Ocean keeps us safe” – Sylvia Earle.

#Ocean&Marine_Conservation #Scientists&Researchers #Educational_Campaigns

Rajendra Singh is an Indian water conservationist and environmentalist from Alwar district, Rajasthan in India. Also known as "waterman of India", he won the Magsaysay Award in 2001 and Stockholm Water Prize in 2015. He runs an NGO called 'Tarun Bharat Sangh', which was founded in 1975. #StockholmWaterPrize

#Water_Resources_Conservation #Community_Leaders #Grassroots_Movement

One man on a mission to raise awareness of plastic pollution. Ocean advocate Ben Lecomte will swim 300 nautical miles – up to eight hours a day – through the smog of plastic pollution known as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, collecting scientific data and debunking the myths surrounding ocean plastic. The Vortex Swim: during this longest open water swim, we want to bring people with us. We want them to experience what we see, and to bring them in the water with us. #movetonatural #thevortexswim

#Ocean&Marine_Conservation #Activist&Advocates #Educational_Campaigns

Roger (1943 – 2006) was an English writer, documentary-maker and environmentalist. He was a co-founder and trustee of Common Ground, the arts, culture and environment organisation. Waterlog, the only book he published in his lifetime, topped the UK bestseller charts and founded the wild swimming movement. More inspiration.

#Water_Resources_Conservation #Philanthropists&Donors #Water_Resources_Conservation

A National Geographic "emerging explorer," filmmaker, and globally recognized advocate on water issues, Alexandra Cousteau continues the work of her renowned grandfather Jacques-Yves Cousteau and her father Philippe Cousteau Sr. She has mastered the remarkable storytelling tradition handed down to her and has the unique ability to inspire audiences on the weighty issues of policy, politics, and action. Her global initiatives seek to inspire and empower individuals to protect not only the ocean and its inhabitants, but also the human communities that rely on freshwater resources. More inspiration.

#Ocean&Marine_Conservation #Activist&Advocates #Policy&Advocacy

“Mr Lee Kuan Yew (LKY) (1923-2015) has left behind a great legacy. He was a visionary leader and the architect of the Singapore Water Story.” LKY’s legacy in helping the country achieve water sustainability is embodied in one of the water industry’s most treasured awards, the Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize. The Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP) - Institute of Water Policy (IWP) is improving water policy and governance in Asia. “every other policy has to bend at the knees for our water survival”. More inspiration: Singapore Water Story

#Water_Resources_Conservation #Community_Leader #Policy&Advocacy

Kimi Wener has actively advocated for marine conservation and ocean protection. She has been involved in various initiatives and actions to raise awareness about the importance of preserving our precious aquatic ecosystems. Kimi has actively engaged in beach cleanups, organized educational workshops, and participated in conservation campaigns to protect marine life and their habitats. Through her platform as a spearfishing champion, she encourages responsible and sustainable practices in the sport, promoting ethical fishing techniques that minimize harm to marine ecosystems. Kimi's dedication to both her sport and the protection of our oceans sets an inspiring example for others to follow in their own water journeys while actively contributing to marine conservation efforts.

John Todd, the pioneer of the eco machine, revolutionized wastewater treatment by developing an ecological technology that mimics natural processes. His work showcases the potential for sustainable solutions in environmental challenges. Todd is not only an inventor but also a dedicated advocate for ecological restoration and conservation. Through research, publications, and lectures, he inspires others to embrace nature-based approaches for a more sustainable future. Todd's legacy is a testament to the power of innovative thinking and the harmony between human activities and nature.

Connecting With Nature as a gateway to Intimacy with our creator; her books include The Little War Cat, Inspiring Inventors and One Home. One Home takes you on a glorious journey across the globe to meet eighteen inspiring young activists who are taking a stand against climate change, and find out how you can help protect our beautiful earth. Her books have been listed for national awards and translated into Swedish, Korean, Turkish, Breton and counting. She secretly wants to be an explorer, and is happiest surrounded by nature, especially near the ocean. Learn more: #WeAreWe

Born and raised on the wave washed shores of Eight Mile, Bull Bay in St. Andrew, Jamaica, Imani Wilmot was a natural water baby. It was an instant connection that has shaped her life so significantly that she dedicated herself to motivating and empowering girls of all ages to try surfing. Imani is a world-renowned athlete and international role model and uses surfing as a means of transforming the tough lives of women in Jamaica. The surfboard has always been a powerful tool for Imani Wilmot. Through surfing, she’s created a safe haven for women in her community to escape abuse and sexual assault. Learn more: #WeAreWe

The waters of the Tigris fed the earliest civilisations on earth, and our quest was for the enduring aspects of the river - the culture and heritage that have survived for millennia. We experienced the beauty and depth of history, but also saw clearly the impact of past decades of conflict, and the environmental and geopolitical threats that are so present in the region. Leon is known for long-distance expeditions and immersive multimedia storytelling. In the past decade he has travelled over 50,000km by human power, and is currently based in Iraq. Learn more: #WeAreWe

Losing ground to climate change, this Alaskan community resolves to save itself. Water will erase Newtok, Alaska. To keep their culture and community intact, the Yup’ik residents must relocate their entire village upriver while battling government inertia. This is a story about a village seeking justice in the face of climate disaster. Learn more: #WeAreWe

She generally prefers to communicate through drawings. She is a director of the Women's Trad Festival and a qualified swim coach, lifeguard and founder of Blue Mind Men - a mens cold water swim club. Blue Mind Men was inspired by her love of swimming over winter in high up tarns and hunting for ice with a few hardy friends (not the most common of 'hobbies'!). This club takes the form of a weekly session, for men and friends for those keen to discover cold water skin (no wetsuit) swimming and the benefits it has on mental wellbeing. Listen more: #WeAreWe

these river guardians have a monumental task: safeguard a remote, near pristine environment facing threats from all sides. Learn what happens when worlds connect, and at times collide, with the common goal of protecting a place. Learn more: #WeAreWe

Working to create a diverse representation in ocean spaces. Her work centers around enabling access to the ocean to underprivileged communities in South Africa, in the hope to diversify oceans spaces both recreationally as well as professionally, while creating a new generation of ocean guardians. Learn more: #WeAreWe

Nate believes deeply in the power of images to educate, inspire, and serve as a catalyst for positive environmental action. Covering the mining threat to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. With over 14 years of experience working, Nate brings a unique mix of authentic visual storytelling, post-production acumen, and nuanced environmental perspective. He strives for quality and seek to create positive environmental change through his work. Learn more: #WeAreWe

Mystic River Watershed Association protects and restores the Mystic River, its tributaries and watershed lands. The Mystic Greenways Initiative will connect 25 miles of paths, improve hundreds of acres of parkland and engage thousands of community members from the Mystic Lakes to the Boston Harbor. Learn more: #WeAreWe

The River Sings. Her research focuses on documenting, researching, and networking on radical alternatives to dominant systems with specific focus on exploring indigenous, traditional, and customary ways of living, decision-making and their underlying worldviews. Learn more: #WeAreWe 

'It’s often said that there are only seven narrative plots in all of storytelling. Any story will fit into one of: Rags to Riches, The Quest, Voyage and Return, Rebirth, Comedy, Tragedy, and Overcoming the Monster. The following story CALUM VS THE MONSTER (A 12km walk in, a 310m deep loch, and a serious case of deep water fear…) fits within that final plot type. This story takes place at Loch Mòrar, in the west highlands of Scotland. At 310m, it’s the deepest freshwater in the whole of Britain. Loch Mòrar is also said to be home to a monster, or a creature: Mòrag. However, this tale has nothing to do with Mòrag.' Learn more: #WeAreWe

Research focuses on the changing global political arenas forced by climate change and will explore their local and spatial effects. Although architects are seen as people who design spaces, we also design relationships. Especially in these turbulent political times, it's necessary to look at how the world is designed to understand the larger context in which a project is taking place. She reflects on major problems at a global level, while other times she focuses on the space inside someone's mind. Learn more: #WeAreWe

Leading an independent citizen’s group whose aim is to re-introduce outdoor swimming to the city of Brussels. They never wanted to build pools. They wanted to make decision-takers, politicians, and administrations build the pools themselves. It's not about whether they want to build a pool, it’s more about swimming as an activity, and promoting the culture around it. Learn more: #WeAreWe

“the modern-day Huckleberry Finn” - 22Rivers: a journey into the soul of America; He is the author of two non-fiction books – Down the Mississippi and Homelands. Neal spent most of the last two years on a canoe trip across America, the country where he was born and raised, and which he left at 18. In the three decades since he lived and adventured all over the world. He spent little time in the U.S., aside from his 2009 source-to-sea paddle on the Mississippi River, and also the months he spent in 2018 fighting high water on the Columbia River and its tributaries, all the way up and over the Continental Divide, only to call it quits in North Dakota. Learn more: #WeAreWe

She is a South African freediver, speaker, writer and ocean conservationist dedicated to conserving and protecting the world's oceans through human experience. The foundation teaches children how to love the ocean. For many people in South Africa, particularly those from poorer urban areas, the ocean is a place of fear - and too often death. Reconnecting young minds with an underwater world full of intrigue, adventure and hope has become, for Hanli Prinsloo, a life’s mission. Learn more: #WeAreWe 

Felipe's quest to raise awareness around the impacts of hydropower in Chile. Felipe takes us through the Maipo River Valley in Central Chile on a 120km traverse that highlights the impacts of the Alto Maipo hydropower project. His run reveals the effects the project has had on Andean ecosystems, local communities and traditions, and the threat it poses to the water supply for Santiago’s 7.1 million residents. The outdoor education became a huge tool to teach and share his enthusiasm about nature and the natural world. Learn more: #WeAreWe

Throughout history, rivers have shaped our landscapes and our journeys; flowed through our cultures and dreams. 'Rivers run through us' takes its audience on a journey through space and time; spanning six continents, and drawing on extraordinary contemporary cinematography, including satellite filming, the film shows rivers on scales and from perspectives never seen before. Its union of image, music and sparse, poetic script create a film that is both dream-like and powerful, honouring the wildness of rivers but also recognising their vulnerability. Learn more: #WeAreWe

Firebrand Economist. Academic Advisor Communicator. Global Commission on Water Economics. She is making waves as an economist — and in the pool. "WATER must be THE issue to bring the planet together. Or we all FAIL". Her work challenges orthodox thinking about the role of the state and the private sector in driving innovation; how economic value is created, measured and shared; and how market-shaping policy can be designed in a ‘mission oriented way’ to solve the grand challenges facing humanity. When she’s not tackling the failings of modern capitalism, the Italian-American economist hits the swimming pool to unwind. Learn more: #WeAreWe

Follow the Colorado River, source to sea. In Chasing Water sets out to document the flow of the Colorado River from source to sea. A Colorado native, McBride hails from a ranching family that depends on the Colorado for irrigation, and this is the story of his backyard. Learn more: #WeAreWe

She has achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the first person to swim across the Volta River, spanning a distance of approximately 450 kilometres, from Buipe to Ada. Yvette’s courageous swim was driven by her strong determination to raise awareness about the escalating water pollution issues plaguing Ghana. As a passionate activist hailing from the Dangme community, she took on the challenging task of swimming through the lengthy Volta River to shed light on the deteriorating state of water quality in the country. Her unique initiative not only raises awareness about textile waste but also brings attention to the urgent need for environmental conservation and sustainable practices. Yvette’s pioneering efforts and groundbreaking firsts serve as an inspiration for future endeavour aimed at safeguarding Ghana’s natural resources and fostering a cleaner, healthier environment for all. Learn more: #WeAreWe

James Otter is a TEDx speaker, and founder of Otter Surfboards: a family-owned workshop nestled in a small village in Cornwall, handcrafting custom wooden surfboards since 2008. James wants to get people out of their heads and making things with their hands. Learn more: #WeAreWe

Martin has spent the last 16 years documenting the polar regions. During this time, he has covered cumulatively over 2,000 miles skiing, living for 400 days on the sea ice, including a mammoth 99-day crossing of the ocean from Russia to Canada across the top of the planet. Several of these endeavours have focused on collecting data to help scientists better understand our planet. Time magazine has acknowledged Martin’s contribution to science with its prestigious Hero of the Environment award for his research work on multiple surveys of the frozen Arctic Ocean. Listen more: #WeAreWe

As the first lifeguard at Waimea Bay on the island of Oahu, he saved over 500 people and became famous for surfing the big Hawaiian surf, winning several awards including the 1977 Duke Kahanamoku Invitational Surfing Championship. The Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational ("The Eddie") is named in his honor. He was also a crew member on the Polynesian voyaging canoe Hōkūleʻa. Learn more: #WeAreWe

Prof Asit K. Biswas is universally acknowledged as one of the world’s leading authorities on water, environment and development-related issues. He was a member of the Global Agenda Council of the World Economic Forum. Cecilia Tortajada has been an advisor to major international institutions like FAO, UNDP, JICA, ADB, OECD, IDRC and GIZ, and has worked in numerous countries in Africa, Asia, North and South America and Europe on water and natural resources management and environment policies. She is a member of the OECD Initiative on Water Governance. Winner of the prestigious Crystal Drop Award of the International Water Resources Association. Learn more: #WeAreWe

“Mahal al-Maa”—“Water Shop”. ‘Pay as you like’ bookstore. Books Are Like Water: The 24-Hour Bookshop. Selling books is Hamzeh al-Maaytah’s calling. He believes in books. Books are like boats, he says. Some can keep people afloat, while others make them drown. Books are like food for the mind. Books are like water. In 2016, Hamzeh actually renamed his shop “Mahal al-Maa”—“Water Shop”—to reflect the necessary nature of books, and specifically of good books, which help people develop in positive ways. “Water is free,” he says. “Every person needs water, and books also are like water.” Learn more: #WeAreWe

Her artwork examines the social and environmental impact of harnessing rivers to generate power and seeks justice for the natural world. She recognizes water as a public space, a human right, and as a spiritual and living entity with its own rights. Her book Serpent River is part of the ongoing body of work ‘Be Dammed’, that investigates the effects of extractivism on natural and social landscapes, exploring the power dynamics associated with the corporatization and decimation of water resources.

He is part of the Edinburgh University Ocean Leaders programme and was recently awarded a Doctorate of Science by Exeter University for his services to the marine environment. He was recognised as Environmentalist of the Year 2021 by the Save the Waves coalition. He previously led the ocean campaigning charity Surfers Against Sewage, taking action from the beach front to the front benches of Parliament, securing government legislation to protect our seas across four environmental pillars – plastic pollution, water quality, climate change and rewilding our ocean. He is also a founding member of the Global Wave Conference.

After two decades of drought, the Colorado River, which supplies water for drinking, power, and agriculture to over 40 million people, was named America’s most endangered river. In 2018, river advocates and paddlers Mike and Jenny Fiebig spent five months paddling the Colorado from its source in the Wind River mountains to the Gulf of Mexico to understand the river’s challenges firsthand – while collecting stories about change from the people who depend on it most (The Dirtbag Diaries: Colorado River).

“To journey without being changed is to be a nomad. To change without journeying is to be a chameleon. To journey and be transformed by the journey is to be a pilgrim.”

investigation work along with Dr Ruth Leeney, empowering and inspiring these women to give these weird and wonderful creatures a chance of survival. With more conscious fishermen sawfishes have a greater chance of survival. And it’s proof that in a male-dominated industry, a network of women supporting each other is vital.

She is combining her love for open water swimming with environmental research and campaigning. It feels like a natural fit for someone who took to the water as a form of therapy following her own personal biological disaster. She was in a senior position in teacher training in Llandudno before becoming ill and turning to swimming. We Swim Wild adds a fresh voice and energy to the issues facing U.K waters. We skill up our grassroots campaigners to take action to protect rivers and oceans from agricultural pollution, sewage, plastics and chemicals.

She is combining her love for open water swimming with environmental research and campaigning. It feels like a natural fit for someone who took to the water as a form of therapy following her own personal biological disaster. She was in a senior position in teacher training in Llandudno before becoming ill and turning to swimming. We Swim Wild adds a fresh voice and energy to the issues facing U.K waters. We skill up our grassroots campaigners to take action to protect rivers and oceans from agricultural pollution, sewage, plastics and chemicals.

Pioneering work developing surfing as a tool for bringing about positive change. Not only are they working in the toughest environments and saving lives, but our surfers are at the heart of an exciting transformation in African surfing underway across the continent. Fusing surfing with social development.

Inspiring entrepreneur with a Masters degree in Naval Architecture & Marine Technology at Delft University of Technology who is dedicated to grow water technology companies, focusing on the water- energy- waste & food nexus. Currently he drives #MissionWater for Nijhuis Saur Industries in over 140 countries to support partners to secure them water on demand, comply with ‘reduce, remove, reuse and recover, reduce their environmental footprint, lower the life-cycle cost, contribute to the circular economy and a more resilient future by closing the waterloop.

True aspirational, ambitious and authentic young leaders who deliver action-based interventions, training for young professionals and applied research in water management that supports thriving communities in West Africa. #SlashCareer #ValuingWater #IWA & Grundfos Fellow  

She grew up in the Niger Delta in Nigeria as a member of the indigenous farming and fishing community of Yaataah. For decades, her families lived in constant contact with the waterways. Unfortunately, things have changed. Since the commencement of fossil fuel extraction. Nigerian Activist Martha is now Trying To Sell Plants To The Oil Company That Destroyed them. She is showing the leadership of women and girls from local and indigenous communities in the protection and sustainable use of water resources, and calling for support for gender-just climate solutions. #WeWomenAreWater

A Water Protector who is working tirelessly to stop the Pilgrim pipeline from being built in New Jersey and New York through Ramapough land and sacred sites. She considers herself a “Spiritual Ecologist” as she prays for the balance of Spirit and the natural world. Sing the Water Song is an inspiring message and plea for women everywhere to become Keepers of the Water so as to express gratitude for and bring attention to our endangered waters.

IWA Emerging Leader - Passionate about data science, international collaborations and filtration technology for production of drinking water.  Working as a Senior Mananger of Global Water and Climate Partnerships and Alliances at Grundfos. Check out must watch key note #IWA Copenhagen 2022 Youth has many leaders 

Impact entrepreneur who is a living example of doism. He co-founded Plastic Whale in Amsterdam, to clean-up plastic waste from the canals and to re-use the plastic and produce circular boats and furniture. Now he is sailing onto a new adventure building a floating Cathredall in Amsterdam to engage more people in circular thinking. Cathedrall will be a multidisciplinary place where individuals, companies and government come together to accelerate the transition to a circular economy. This is done through education, lectures and exhibitions.

She connects to her activism through nature and cold-water swimming. She always had a love for nature, and she thinks that’s prevalent to the work that she is doing. As an activist, educator, geography student and sustainability focused content creator, now more than ever she is looking after her mental wellbeing has been a difficult journey. Finding a way to connect racial equality, environmental justice and our oceans saved me. She truly believes that if more people reconnected with nature, we would see a huge positive impact in the social and climate justice space.

She's the co-founder and president of Sea Shepherd France, the French branch of the anti-poaching organisation Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. She is also co-director of Sea Shepherd Global and co-president of the non-governmental organisation Rewild. She led var­i­ous Sea Shep­herd cam­paigns all over the world to fight for marine life. #WaterBear

Project Neptune combines a long-term study of the physiological and psychological effects of compression on the human body and use the uniqueness of the mission and location to bring more awareness of current marine research and the importance of conservation of our ocean’s resources and processes.

Sharing her passion for environmental conservation and self-propelled exploration in honour of the wild people and places that make everyday an adventure. As a whitewater kayaker she has been privileged to experience pockets of untouched wilderness all over the world, and is motivated and encouraged by locals working using creativity and direct-action approaches to protect wilderness areas. She studied Geography at the University of Victoria, Canada, exploring the interaction between large carnivore and elite backcountry recreationists.

Curious, Passionate and Multi-talented WaterCycle expert. A geohydrochemist working as an asset manager, connecting system analyses to investments, for the regional public water authority Amstel, Gooi and Vecht in the greater Amsterdam area in the low-lying Western part of the Netherlands. We can only survive if we learn from our past. Our living environment is our capital. It brings us further, but only if we choose what to maintain wisely. "We have to invest in our current living environment rather than on economic opportunities that will put our living environment under further stress".

For most of the haenyeo, diving seems to be a decisive factor for their wellbeing. Through physical activity they avoid the dangers of a sedentary lifestyle. They feel vital and useful and can be together with people they have known all their life. Haenyeo, or "sea women,” come from a long diving tradition. They can dive as deep as 20 meters , they gather as much as they can carry and place it in floating nets. The divers say they see their work as more than just a job; it’s a way of life that keeps them connected to the ocean. However, this centuries-old practice may be coming to an end as climate change transforms the ocean.