Water is the essence of life. Not only do we use it to grow our food, to replenish and clean our bodies, it also has a sacred meaning for many peoples of the world. Throughout the globe there are people who struggle to find enough water for their daily needs, there are others who have little or no access to clean water and there are those whose basic livelihood is threatened by floods and an overabundance of water. The management of water resources is one of the most pressing global issues.

Yesterday at Terra Madre in Turin, Italy, farmers, engineers, students, nomads, activists and academics from all over the world met to share the challenges they face due to an overabundance or scarcity of water. During the Water and Agriculture Workshop a number of central themes came to light from the need to promote water-wise farming practices to the privitisation of the world’s water supply that goes against the basic human right of free access to a safe water.

The workshop participants decided it is necessary to create a Slow Water network that will promote:

• Exchange of techniques, technologies, knowledge and seeds
• Advocacy that aims to raise awareness of the current water crisis
• Network with groups that are working to solve water-related problems
• Lobby in support of rights related to water

The first step has been taken and we are joining together to take action and work together. I have volunteered to begin the initial organisation of the Slow Water network, but we will need many more hands and minds all over the world. If you would like to get involved, please get in touch.