The International Desalination Association (IDA) has announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Canada Ocean Racing Be Water Positive team. Their mission is to be the first Canadian team to complete the Vendée Globe, and to sail under a new purpose, committed to building awareness of what water positivity means through partnerships, and promoting Be Water Positive.
This agreement solidifies their shared commitment to promoting sustainable water practices as the team will leverage the expertise and resources of the IDA to further its mission of promoting water positivity. By forging alliances with stakeholders in the water reuse and desalination space and supporting the UN Water Action Decade, the team aims to educate the public on responsible water usage.
President of Canada Ocean Racing Scott Shawyer said, “As Be Water Positive, we recognise the urgent need for responsible water management. Embracing this new purpose allows us to shed light on global water scarcity and inspire positive change.”
It encompasses the approach to reduce water consumption footprint, reusing water resources, and producing more freshwater through sustainable desalination.
“The team will cross the oceans with a purpose, spotlighting and educating people on the need for water sustainability solutions and protecting our oceans, in line with UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, clean water and sanitation for all, and SDG13, climate action. With over 2 billion people lacking access to clean drinking water and an increase in water demand of more than 50% by 2050, coupled with the need to mitigate the effects of climate change on freshwater resources, IDA support[s] the team in their sustainability education programme about desalination and water reuse systems to create a water-positive world, complementing our commitment to the IDA Be Water Positive programme,” said Shannon McCarthy, IDA executive director.
