Motueka: Painting the Town Red to Protect Local Waterways.

Environmental advocates from Motueka community group communityaction took to the streets today to mark World Water Day, and the beginning of ” Water for Life”, a United Nations led initiative.

This morning Motueka business people and shoppers were greeted by a number of red fish, which had been painted near stormwater grates in Motueka's main streets overnight. During the day, communityaction volunteers handed out free portable ashtrays to smokers, to cut down on cigarette butt litter, a common form of stormwater borne pollution.

“Stormwater drains go out to sea and rivers, so any rubbish that gets thrown in the street, or pollutants that get poured down outside drains, will end up in waterways. We’re raising awareness of this fact, so that locals and travellers will be more mindful of this in future,” said Duncan Eddy of, communityaction.

“Pollution of our waters creates repercussions throughout the entire food chain, and could deprive future generations of the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful waterways we often take for granted.” Said Mr Eddy “Internationally, ‘Water for Life’ is about securing access to clean water for impoverished peoples. In Motueka, we’re trying to protect the treasures we already have.”

The United Nations General Assembly at its 58th session in December 2003 agreed to proclaim the years 2005 to 2015 as the International Decade for Action, "Water for Life", and beginning with World Water Day, March 22, 2005.

Or see http://www.worldwaterday.org

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