2007-11-30

Another type of gift this Xmas?


Tired of early-warning Christmas decoration in the streets?
Shocked to the bone by consumeristic impulses?
Consider giving the gift of water!

Water Pump $408.00
Water is life, yet still more than 1 billion people lack access to safe drinking water and more than 2 billion lack basic sanitation. It is estimated that nearly 6,000 children die every day from diarrhea caused by poor sanitation and contaminated drinking water. By purchasing a water pump you will help provide clean, safe drinking water for a whole community. This reliable and durable deep-well hand pump was designed by UNICEF and to date, more than 1 million pumps have been installed in communities around the world.

Asian Water Development Outlook


November 29, 2007: release of the Asian Water Development Outlook

“We can confidently predict,” Biswas says, “that Asian developing member countries, (DMCs) should not experience, or expect, a crisis in the future because of physical scarcity of water; there is now enough knowledge, technology and expertise available in Asia to solve all its existing and future water problems. If some Asian DMCs face a water crisis in the future, it will not be because of physical scarcity of water, but because of inadequate or inappropriate water governance.”



Key recommendations
  • Worldwide competition for water is increasing. But any water crisis in the future will not be caused by physical scarcity of water, but more likely by inadequate or inappropriate water governance
  • There is a need to address the inherent relationships between water and other development-related sectors, e.g. energy, food, environment, as interactions among them will determine the future of Asian countries
    Climate change is creating a new level of uncertainty in water planning and management processes, and accelerated research is needed if serious water-related stresses are to be avoided
  • Limited access to water is a key determinant of poverty. Yet the poor causes a significant proportion of water problems, e.g. uncontrolled deforestation. Investing in poverty reduction counters further degradation of water resources and the environment
  • Stable institutional frameworks, strong political will, accelerated demand from civil society to solve water issues, adequate financial and managerial support, and intensive capacity development efforts are among the common characteristics of successful water management practices in the region

WASH - Water, Sanitation & Hygiene


"What if a postcard could save a life? These cards may shock you, but they can make a difference. Send them to the government officials responsible for water supply and sanitation and let them know how important these issues are to you and your environment. Make a difference by creating the political will to end the tragedy of inadequate water supply and sanitation. Take a stand, send a card, save a life!"


Wacondah invites you to take a look at the WASH Campaign: Sign up, become a member and send your politicians postcards! 2008 is the international year of Sanitation: our collective aim should be to get politicians to really do something about shit!

Hurry up! 2.6 billion people want to use the toilet
Millions of women have to do it with an audience
1.2 billion people drink dirty water every day
Diarrhoea kills babies every day
Dirty water kills
In some countries women risk rape by collecting water

Konichiwa!

Last picture: Tintin in Brussels
Reading: Dimitri Verhulst
Viewing: Ali G
Listening to: The Blue Nile
Thinking: Quiting Smoking wasn't soo hard
Travelling: Barcelona, Madrid
Days since I've quit smoking: 1 week, 5 days and 56 minutes. Amount Saved 44.54€. Life Saved: 9h15m

2007-11-19

Toys + Kids = Fun (or not)

The 25 Most Baffling Toys From Around the World.

Hilarious article on what NOT to get your kids for Sint Maarten, Sinterklaas or X-Mas.
I do appreciate the "teddy-bear firing gun" however...