Riversymbosium Declaration: actions to protect rivers globally

This declaration presents summary findings and a global action agenda that address the urgent need to protect rivers globally, as proclaimed at the 10th International Riversymposium and International Environmental Flows Conference, held in Brisbane, Australia, on 3-6 September 2007. The conference was attended by more than 750 scientists, economists, engineers, resource managers and policy makers from more than 50 countries.

Key Findings

• Freshwater ecosystems are essential to human health and well being.

• Freshwater ecosystems are seriously impaired and continue to degrade at alarming rates.

• Water flowing to the sea is not wasted.

• Flow alteration imperils freshwater and estuarine ecosystems.

• Environmental flow management provides the water flows needed to sustain freshwater and estuarine ecosystems in coexistence with agriculture, industry, and cities.

• Climate change intensifies the urgency.

• Progress has been made, but much more attention is needed.

* Environmental flows describe the quantity, timing, and quality of water flows required to sustain freshwater and estuarine ecosystems and the human livelihoods and well-being that depend on these ecosystems.

Register your support and download the full declaration http://www.riversymposium.com

Training Program for Waterwatch

NSW Waterwatch has developed an accredited package of skills that meet the National Standards and can be incorporated within training programs delivered by registered training providers. It is particularly relevant for land managers and property planning training programs as well as Green Corps teams, indigenous programs and others requiring accreditation for the skills developed. Contact the NSW Waterwatch coordinator for more information.

Funding Available: Dilmah water quality monitoring kits

Waterwatch groups can apply for funding for water quality monitoring kits to a value of $1600 as part of this funding opportunity provided in conjunction with Landcare. Check out the Landcare online website for more information. http://www.landcareonline.com Recommendations by your regional Waterwatch coordinator or the State coordinator are essential. There will be 2 funding rounds this year and the closing dates are 30th May and 31st October 2008.

Key Dates 2008

Water Bug Survey

Autumn 12th March 2008; Spring Survey 22nd October 2008

Quality Assurance Tests August (Date to be confirmed)

National Water Week October 19-25 2008 (supported by the Australian Water Association) Check out the website
www.nationalwaterweek.org.au