17/08/2025
PRESERVE WATER BODIES : PROTECTING THE LIFELINE OF OUR FUTURE .
Water is life. Every drop sustains the environment, agriculture, industry, and human health. Yet, our rivers, lakes, seas, and underground water sources are under serious threat from pollution, misuse, and neglect. If we fail to protect our water bodies today, future generations will inherit scarcity, disease, and environmental collapse. The responsibility lies with all of us—governments, industries, communities, and individuals.
Why Water Bodies Must Be Preserved
1. Human Survival
About 70% of the human body is made of water, and no person can survive more than a few days without it. Clean water is not optional—it is essential.
2. Biodiversity and Ecosystems
Rivers, lakes, and seas are home to countless species of fish, plants, and aquatic life. Polluted or drying water bodies destroy ecosystems, leading to extinction and food insecurity.
3. Agriculture and Food Security
Farmers depend on water for irrigation, livestock, and fisheries. Without clean water, food production decreases, prices rise, and hunger increases.
4. Economic Growth
Tourism, transport, fishing, and hydropower all rely on healthy water bodies. Polluted rivers and lakes don’t just kill fish—they kill jobs, too.
The Threats We Face
Pollution: Plastic waste, industrial discharge, oil spills, and sewage are choking rivers and seas.
Overuse: Excessive withdrawal of water for irrigation, mining, and domestic use leaves rivers and lakes shrinking.
Deforestation & Erosion: Cutting down trees near rivers leads to soil erosion, siltation, and reduced water quality.
Climate Change: Rising temperatures and erratic rainfall patterns dry up streams and reduce water supply.
How We Can Preserve Our Water Bodies
1. Stop Pollution at the Source
Proper waste disposal and recycling reduce plastics entering rivers.
Industries must treat wastewater before releasing it.
Households should avoid dumping garbage and chemicals into drains.
2. Protect Natural Buffers
Plant trees along riverbanks and coastlines to prevent erosion.
Restore wetlands, which act as natural filters and flood controls.
3. Use Water Wisely
Practice water-saving habits at home: fix leaks, collect rainwater, and avoid wastage.
Farmers can adopt drip irrigation and other efficient methods.
4. Community Awareness and Action
Organize clean-up drives along rivers, lakes, and beaches.
Educate children and communities on water conservation.
Partner with government and NGOs to advocate for stronger environmental laws.
A Call to Action
Water is a shared resource, not a private property. The way we treat our rivers, lakes, and seas today will determine whether our children drink clean water tomorrow—or struggle in thirst. Preserving water bodies is not just an environmental issue; it is a moral duty, a social responsibility, and a spiritual calling to be good stewards of God’s creation.
Let us rise together—governments, schools, churches, businesses, and communities—to protect and preserve our water bodies. When we save water, we save lives. When we protect rivers and seas, we protect our future.
Preserve water bodies. Preserve life. Preserve the future.
Bishop Maxwell A. Hagan
Prwsident
GIPDHR