The human body can only survive 4 days without water. We live on a planet made up of 71% water but only 2.5% is fresh, and of that 2.5% only 0.065% is available for human consumption – yet every moment that fresh water source is under threat by pollutants introduced by the people who need it most: us.
In my recent Alison’s Adventures Mexico I set off to the Yucatan Peninsula to get an in-depth look at one of the last pristine sources of fresh water on the planet, the Cenotes. From prehistoric times to the Maya civilization water was liquid gold and protected with the utmost respect.
Currently, waste management on the peninsula is not good and all the pollutants seep straight through the pores limestone and directly into the beautiful Cenotes. This trash is located directly over the beautiful fresh water caves.
Not only are the pollutants a direct threat to the environment, but also to the economy of Mexico as this area draws over 20% of all of Mexico’s tourism income with its surreal beauty.
SAM MEACHAM SAVES THE DAY!
I was honored to meet Sam Meacham, a professional cave diver, and scientist who created the non-profit protecting the Cenotes CINDAQ AC (El Centro Investigador del Sistema Acuífero de Quintana Roo AC), to learn how we as a planet can protect our waters before it’s too late.
SAM’S TED EX SPEECH ON THE MIND BLOWING FACTS ABOUT OUR WORLD’S WATER:
Short interview with Sam
Why do I do what I do?
I am passionate about our underwater world. The cenotes and underground rivers of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula give me the opportunity to participate in exploration with purpose.
What does my organization stand for?
CINDAQ AC (El Centro Investigador del Sistema Acuífero de Quintana Roo AC) (www.cindaq.org) is a registered Mexican non-profit with the mission to raise awareness about the freshwater aquifer of Quintana Roo through Exploration, Science and Education.
Why I’m excited to team up with Alison
As education and raising awareness are a big part of what we do, we are always happy to have people like Alison come through our area and help amplify the message on why ground water is so critical.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO HELP PROTECT ONE OF OUR LAST FRESH WATER AQUIFERS ON EARTH:
CINDAQ AC can receive tax deductible donations in the USA through the Friends of Mexican Development Foundation which is based in New York City. Thanks to FOMDF 100% of your donation makes it to us in Mexico to support our important work. To learn more about how to donate follow this link: http://www.fomdf.org/programs.htm
What is the most important take away?
The issue of solid waste is a global one driven in many ways by the global economy which has created a culture of waste through the use of disposable plastics and excessive packaging. It affects us all, every day when we take out the garbage. Once it leaves our hands it does not disappear. Developed countries have systems in place to deal with waste management while countries in the developing world do the best they can. And it is not good enough. Obviously, this is not sustainable and affects the health of the worlds ecosystems and its human population. The industries and governments of the developed world need to look beyond the bottom line and lead the way for sustainable solutions for solid waste in areas of the world that lack resources to deal with it.
As a planet we can prevent this by:
- Reducing fossil fuel emissions
- Reducing plastic production
- Turn to green energy to run factories and cars.
- Shifting to solar power for electricity
- Grow organic food and practice regenerative agriculture and composting
As individuals:
- Refuse single use plastic like water bottles
- Ride a bike to work or take public transport
- Turn off lights in a room when you are not in the room OR switch to a solar power grid.
- Compost your food scraps instead of throwing them in the garbage.
- Get involved in community organizations and non-profits that are working to change environmental laws.
Thank you to Maya Tulum Eco Resort for hosting us to share the importance of protecting our world waters!
THANK YOU TO MY SPONSORS FOR THIS ADVENTURE!
PRODUCTION CREDITS:
Produced, directed, edited and hosted by Alison Teal
Cinematography by Mark Tipple
Photography by Sarah Lee
I need to thank you for this wonderful read. Thank you for shared great content. keep it up.
What a powerful message! I’m glad more and more people talking about this. And such great photoes showing pristine underwater compared to polluted mess.