In all seven (7) continents of the world, a cumulative total of 201 marathons were completed in just one (1) day, to raise awareness on the global water crisis. This outcome surpassed the goal of 100 marathons in 1 day set by the #RunningDry Movement; a journey started by Mina Guli. The global campaign was more than just that but a step in helping to make saving water famous and working towards creating a global community of water-conscious citizens.
It is not a hidden fact that the world’s resources are under stress. According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), water scarcity affects more than 40% of the global population and is projected to rise. Also, the World Economic Forum ranks water crises among the top global societal risks. Despite these realities, the critical importance of water conservation is often not a “hot topic.” In many instances, some persons aren’t able to connect the dots about how they can help solve our world’s water crisis.
The #RunningDry Movement to achieve 100 marathons in 1 day, inspired many across the world and highlighted that everyone has the power to contribute, whether big or small, towards a water secure world.
The Global Water Partnership-Caribbean (GWP-C) took up the challenge on Sunday and encouraged its Partners throughout the Caribbean to do the same. Within the Caribbean region, Trinidad and Tobago together with the Dominican Republic were significant contributors to the #RunningDry Movement.
In Trinidad, GWP-C’s very own Communications Officer, Ms. Gabrielle Lee Look together with Ms. Khadija Stewart (Member of the World Youth Parliament for Water and Environmental Blogger – Creator of EcoVybz) partnered to encourage nationals to join them yesterday to run or walk for the cause, contributing a total of 30.8 miles (more than one marathon) in Trinidad and Tobago.
Ms. Gabrielle Lee Look, GWP-C's Communications Officer (left holding banner) and Ms. Khadija Stewart, Creator of EcoVybz (right holding banner) are seen here, together with some of the persons who contributed to the #RunningDry Movement in Trinidad on Sunday.
The efforts in the Caribbean and other parts of the world, showed that no effort is too small because #EveryDropCounts. Additionally, the #RunningDry Movement proved that individually we can make an impact but together we have the potential to change the world.