Rafting is continuously gaining in popularity due to the fact that one does not need to be a real professional athlete to paddle down the waves. This unique experience intrigues many tourists that join crews lead by experimented guides who are familiar with the risks and the potential dangers of different rivers.  In order to prevent dangerous accidents, rafting rivers are classified by experts in a scale that ranks from 1 to 6 indicating how demanding or risky some paths of the rivers. The more risky the river is the more likely it is that the paddlers will end up become swimmers for more than once.

The International Rafting Federation (IRF) defines rafting as a “human activity conducted on running rivers requiring physical skill using paddle and oar power in soft crafts and which is generally accepted as being a social, commercial and competitive sport” (Source: http://www.internationalrafting.com/?page_id=529).  This world organization oversees rafting activities all over the world trying to advocate the need to preserve the social values associated with this sport. Perseverance, respect for other and team spirit are crucial to this sport.  The mission of IRF is to maintain and promote the values and conditions to the safe practice of this sport at the competition or recreational level. In addition, the IRF is working hard in order to promote rafting as a safe sport defending its interest at a national and international level. Finally, one of IRF’s most important goals is to promote water conservation and the respect for the rivers and the wildlife surrounding them.

Many specialized travel agencies organize rafting vacations in breath take wild scenarios around the United States or Canada. This sorts of trips allow tourists to experience a unique adventurous experience while discovering the beautiful nature and wildlife in the most remote areas like the Firth River, a hidden jewel north of Canada.  This river is situated deep in the northern Yukon Territory, close to Alaska. The Firth river “flows through the centre of Ivvavik National Park where the wildlife include muskox, caribou, wolves, eagles and falcons that can be observed in the rocky panorama of the Arctic scenery.

Another unique rafting experience that is perceived by the ultimate rafting experience by extreme water sports lovers and experts is the Patagonia rafting experience down the Futaleufu river, acclaimed as one of the most challenging rivers in the world. “The river’s name is derived from a local Mapuche Indian word meaning “big big river” and it lives up to its billing in every respect” (Source: http://www.exchile.com/fachome.html). Expediciones Chile organizes a series of different vacation tours that rank from a week of rafting down Futaleufu to a concentration of four extreme rafting days. An interesting alternative that combines nature to all sorts of sports is the Futaleufu Multisport Chile rafting week. This special excursion mixes the pleasures of rafting to the ones of mountain biking and hiking. This adventurous vacation is way to discover a beautiful country, meet no friends and overcome all your fears.

From a method of transportation to a recreational activity that unites people from all over the world, rafting is a sport that enables people to develop a close relationship with nature. Numerous rivers around the United States are a perfect scenery for tourists or beginners who strive to acquire expertise in this sport. For those who love risks and extreme adventurous the Futaleufu river is what of the most thrilling experience when it comes to rafting.

According to experts, these innovative backyard swimming pools are designed to have perfectly clean water that would pass every governmental standard for potable water. While the popularity of these green swimming pools has increase in the past couple of years, the concept is anything but new. The first biological swimming pool was developed in Austria and was almost immediately adopted by hotel owners.

These swimming pools combined a sector for swimming to a watery garden plant. “These swimming pool, ecologically balanced, combine the normal properties of cleaning by the plants with filtration” (Source: http://www.piscinebiologique.com/EN/fonctionnement.php). The result of such dynamic is clean water that is not sterilized and “polluted” with chlorine or other chemical products. If you have any doubts about what kind of plants to choose, keep in mind that big bloomers are the plants that filter the worst. Even if water lilies are beautiful and can add a glimpse of elegance they are not good for filtering since they often need extra products such as fertilizers that would defeat the whole purpose of have a self-filtered plant pool. Ruses, cattails and other similar fast growing plants will do the trick. In addition, remember to plant them in gravel and not in soil that would only add undesired nutrients to the delicate system.

The designs of these swimming pools are as variable as your imagination and the bottom of the pool is usually covered with rubber to prevent any potential leaks. When it comes to the costs of construction the price to pay is similar to a classic cement basin. According to experts, this water is much more healthy than the purified water in normal swimming pools since “chlorine hazards have been placed on the Environmental Protection Agency (U.S.) watch list. Chlorine poisoning, chlorine allergy, chlorine irritations and other chlorine dangers are questioning chlorine safety” (Source: http://www.pond-doctor-dave.com/swimming-ponds.html).

Considering that no chemicals are used, it some cases small creatures like frogs, snails or salamanders decide to make their homes in these natural swimming pools. Some owners are not bothered at all by the ideas, considering that it renders the pool even more like a natural pond while others should take this possibility into consideration before building one of these pools. If you live in a country with cold winters, your pool is most likely to freeze. Excessive freezing might be a problem due to an accumulation of carbon dioxide that can unbalance the equilibrium of the system. One should also take into consideration that considerable amounts of snow might damage the plants and therefore threaten the equilibrium of the eco system.

While natural pools are already popular in Europe, these innovative ponds were introduced in the United States only a couple of years ago. Some people still prefer traditional swimming pool, meanwhile nature lovers are able to appreciate these natural swimming pools to their full potential. The water is just as clean, while in exchange it is also free of chlorine or other harmful chemical products.

Riders of Destiny (1933): Government agent Saunders (John Wayne) fights local rancher who controls the local water supply and is trying to force other ranchers into contracts for water at exorbitant rates.

Riders of Destiny(1933)

King of the Pecos (1936): John Wayne in a classic battle over western water rights and land in the Pecos River country.

King Of The Pecos (1936)

Law of the Ranger (1937): Another western with a monopolistic rancher claiming local water rights. Bill Nash (John Merton), owner of the local water company and town boss tries to control the valley’s water rights by building a reservoir, but he must get control of the key property and murders the rightful owner.

El Dorado (1966): John Wayne plays Cole Thornton, a gunfighter for hire who joins forces with an old friend, Sheriff J.P. Hara (played by Robert Mitchum) to help a rancher and his family fight a rival rancher trying to steal their water.

El Dorado (1966)

The classic, Chinatown (1974): a murder mystery centered around the political manipulations of water and land in turn-of-the twentieth century Los Angeles.

Jaws (1975): When a gigantic great white shark begins to menace the small island community of Amity, a police chief, a marine scientist and grizzled fisherman set out to stop it.

The Crazies (1978): George A. Romero’s low-budget story of a town affected by the accidental dumping of bio-weapons in their water supply – lunacy, murder, and a military crackdown.

Pale Rider (1985): Clint Eastwood as a mysterious preacher who comes to a gold mining camp near a small town in the mountains. The miners are facing a ruthless landowner who cuts off the water to drive them from their land and their gold claims. Eastwood kicks their butts, of course.

Water (1985): A tiny and impoverished Caribbean island (the island’s Governor is played by Michael Caine) is completely forgotten by its British colonial masters, until an oil well strikes mineral water. Suddenly the British, Americans, Cubans, French and an incompetent local rebel are struggling for control of the island.

Water (1985)

Waterworld (1995): Kevin Costner in a long series of post-apocalyptic world where the control of water is a key plot element (see The Book of Eli, Mad Max and sequels, and the zillions of others).

Johnson and Bent’s film Christie Malry’s Own Double Entry (2000): A disaffected young man who starts to revenge himself against society for perceived slights, escalating to environmental terrorism and poisoning London’s water supplies.

Sabaku no kaizoku! Captain Kuppa (2001): Japanese anime. Sometime in the future, the world is completely dried up and water has become the most valuable thing on the world. Whoever controls water will control the world.

The Tuxedo (2002): Wilson and Leeson’s movie with Jackie Chan and a power hungry bottled-water mogul trying to destroy the world’s natural water supply to force everyone to drink his bottled water.

Batman Begins (2005): portrays a terrorist attempt to destroy Gotham by introducing a vapor-borne hallucinogen into the water system.

Ben Rekhi’s independent film, Waterborne (2005): which follows the fictional aftermath of a bio-terrorist attack on the water supply of Los Angeles.

V for Vendetta (2006): features corrupt government leaders contaminating London’s water supply to kill people, spread fear, and consolidate power.

Quantum of Solace (2008): James Bond vs. terrorists gaining control over Bolivia’s water resources.

The Book of Eli (2010): Denzel Washington, Gary Oldman in, uh, yet another post-apocalyptic world where the control of water is a key plot element (see also, Waterworld, Mad Max and sequels, and others).

(Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/peter-h-gleick/water-in-the-movies-the-g_b_686646.html)

The archipelago of the Hawaiian Island was born millions of years ago. The Big Island is formed by volcanic activity and fosters one of the world’s largest mountains, Mauna Kea. According to the brand’s official website, “a US Geological Survey concluded that the waters of Kea’au are among the purest in the world” (Source: http://hawaiianspring.com/). This precious water source is kept alive due to the frequent annual rainwater falls that translate into 1.38 billion gallons on a daily basis, the amount needed “to supply all the bottled water consumed each year in America in 7.3 days! If you wonder about the purity of rainwater, there is one simple answer: natural volcanic filtration.  As the rainwater goes downhill it gets filtered by the lava, for an extra purity. The particularity of this water is the fact that it has been certified to be free of heavy metal and chemicals with a very minimal human intervention. The company’s sustainable section appears somewhat limited insofar it doesn’t present in a comprehensive manner the actions of corporate social responsibility undertaken by Hawaiian Springs. In addition there is no mention about the use of recycled plastic or the potential damages caused by the plastic water bottles. Yes, the source is sustainable but what about the water bottles?

In the past decades, due to population growth and industrialization the rainforest has suffered greatly from degradation. The wildlife in Hawaii is home to close to ten thousand unique species that need to be protect. As conservation is part of the Hawaiian culture, it is also an important value of the Hawaiian Springs bottled water. According to the company’s official website, “Hawaiian Springs donates a portion of its proceeds from bottled water sales to the Nature Conservancy each year in its effort to build awareness and support for the preservation of native Hawaiian endemic species, many of which are threatened with extinction” (Source: http://www.hawaiianspring.com/). The packaging of the bottles pays tribute to the local flowers, the Red Llima and the Nanu.

In addition, Hawaiian Springs is also sponsor of the 2010 Maui Film festival, another great way to give back to the community. Welcoming celebrities, journalists and curious tourists this even is a great opportunity to present the great touristic attraction and natural resources that render Hawaii such a gorgeous and unique island. The famous brand will furnish the festival and its guests with bottles of water as well as selling one liter bottles at an assigned stand. “Twenty percent of all proceeds will be donated to various nonprofit organization that volunter to staff the concession stand, including Habitat for Humanity, Women Helping Women, Na Leo Kakoo, Friends of Hookipa, and Haleakala Waldorf School” (Source: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20100616005381/en/Hawaiian-Springs-Named-Official-Sponsor-2010-Maui). This year’s eleventh edition, welcomed top celebrities such as Zac Efron and Justin Chambers.

Hawaiian Springs, is Hawaii’s national water, pumped directly from the source with minimal human intervention. This water, drawn from an artesian at the mountain’s base is one of the purest waters. Sponsoring cinema event is a way for the brand to give back to the community while promoting the Hawaiian culture. The website nonetheless seems to lack a real coverage on the company’s coporate social responsibility actions.

Along the course of the Mekong river, one has the pleasure to discover sediments of history that are still partly living today; from the Tibetan nomad culture to the ancient Kingdom of Siam, the river fosters an incredible quantity of fish species that assure the survival of most of the local communities from the six different countries. The river is also the home of the world’s largest freshwater fish, “ the Mekong giant catfish that is distinguished by the near-total lack of whisker-like barbells, the absence of teeth and its gigantic size” (Source: http://www.worldwildlife.org/what/wherewework/mekong/species.html).  This unusual specie that can reach 600 pounds and grown the size of a grizzly bear, can feed an entire village for at least a week. The future of this unique specimen is at risk, due to the various flood control schemes, dams and other changes created by human kind in order to gain control over the river. Another endangered species living in the pool of the Mekong River is the Irrawaddy dolphin that is often known as the “river dolphin”.  This slow swimmer’s life is at risk, and its population is “estimated to be as low as 70 to 100 individuals” (Source: http://www.worldwildlife.org/what/wherewework/mekong/species.html). The dolphin is in high demand in zoos and aquariums that often seem to forget that even limited trade is now prohibited because the specie is so endangered. You can adopt a toy Mekong Dolphin in order to help raising money for their survival at http://www.worldwildlife.org/ogc/species_SKU.cfm?gid=68&sc=AWY1100WC900.

These two species are only a tinny examples of all the treasures buried inside this long river. The cultural, social and commercial value of this wetland is gigantic; courted by many stakeholders the future of the Mekong River is at risk without a proper conservation plan.

For this reason, on 5 April 1995, was founded The Mekong River Commission (MRC), an official agreement between Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand and Viet Nam. These states signed  The Agreement on the Cooperation for the Sustainable Development of the Mekong River Basin in order to come up with a joint management plan to share water resources and the development of the river.  This association aims at promoting regional cooperation and its goals are also to “promote and support coordinated, sustainable and pro-poor development, to strengthen basin-wide environmental monitoring and impact assessment and to strengthen the Integrated Water Resources Management capacity and knowledge base on the MRC bodies “ (Source: http://www.mrcmekong.org/). In addition to this organization, the WWF is also working hard in order to address the threats facing the long-term sustainable survival of the river and all its precious resources. Indeed, the WWF Living Mekong Programme is working in partnership with the MRC in order to achieve a set of goals that comprehend: sustainable river basin management, the conservation of freshwater ecosystems while raising awareness on these issues amongst the local populations and all the interested stakeholders.

A strong interest for hydropower development in the lower part of the basin is dividing many invidious stakeholders around the world amongst private and public companies. In order to mitigate the demand, the MRC has launched the Initiative on Sustainable Hydropower (ISH) in order to study the potential side effects of a large-scale hydropower development and to come up with a basin management strategy. This initiative serves as a fundamental funnel for ideas and proposal where dialogue and communication is much needed in order to compromise economical interests with the ones of the conservation of the river and all its ecosystems.

Any sort of development and action plant taken to modify the course of the river, the balance of its rich biodiversity could have a life-changing impact on the lives of 60 million people and on the survival of various precious endangered species. This rich wetland is worth a lot from an economical standpoint. States need to remember that a violent over-exploitation could but an end to all the precious resources the river has to offer. Nature is generous only if it is treated with respect and dignity.

One of his first creations was painting the dome of Lamphere High School that was vandalized. That mural was inevitably painted black and still remains that way today. This wasn’t enough to discourage the young artist that continued painting mural in Hawaii, California and Florida. As environmentalist movements spread over the country, Wyland’s career exploded internationally.  “Hailed a “Marine Michaelangelo” by USA Today, Wyland’s work is sought by millions of collectors and his galleries throughout the United States are considered a must-see on the itineraries of travelers everywhere” (Source: http://www.wyland.com/about_theArtist.htm). With his great popularity, passion for the wildlife and respect for nature he founded the Wyland foundation, a company with a mission to spread over the world a message of art, nature and community. This foundation has a strong green-sustainability outlook and his truly committed to protect the future of nature and the sea life by: eliminating the use of polystyrene foam, recycling, using paint with a green seal for kids painting events, switching from CRT computer monitors to LCDs which consume less…” (Source: http://www.wyland.com/about_green.htm). Robert Wyland’s passions for the sea life are coherent with his green outlook and respect for the wild life. For this reason his agency insists in picking material that are 100% biodegradable or already recycled for the creation of his artwork in order to diminish waste at much as possible.  Moreover this green agency is working to help raise awareness all over the United States and the rest of the world in order to raise social awareness about environment issues and water conservation. The mission of this non-profit organization is “promoting, protecting and preserving the world’s ocean, waterways, and marine life. The foundation encourages environmental awareness through education programs, public arts projects and community events” (Source: http://www.wylandfoundation.org/about-mission.shtml). After fifteen years of experience and knowledge expertise, the association has paired up with a team of experts and water lovers to put together the Wyland Clean Water Challenge hopes to share the world’s knowledge on clean water and the importance of water conservation in a fun and dynamic fashion in order to capture the minds of students around the world.  The online site of the challenge presents a fun and interactive pledge for children that make the promise to respect a set of environmental friendly attitudes in their daily lives. After pledging to “sing shorter songs in the shower” one has to pledge to “use a refillable water bottle” (Source: http://montanab.com/wyland/).  In partnership with the Clean Water Challenge, the association has put together a Clean Water Mobile Learning Center is a shop work that “provides innovative solution for schools that need an affordable way to increase student knowledge of the function of watersheds and a broader understanding of the impact that communities have on these systems and our ocean” (Source: http://www.wylandfoundation.org/education-clean-water-mobile.shtml ). For the past few years this mobile initiative has visited a variety of schools around the country. Educating children from an early young age is a long-term investment for the durable future of our planet.

Today, Wyland is considered one of the most influential artists of our era, with his art work exposed in museums of the world, he is appreciated and well know, but most importantly he is using his artistic influence in order to raise awareness towards environmental issues. Having the oceans deeply at heart, his association is working hard at educating children and adult about the importance of protecting sea creatures. Working closely also with the discovery channel, he is using his talent for the arts to convey a strong message of dignity, reverence and respect for our oceans.

On the United States’ version of the website, Yves Rocher clearly states its five of Botanical Beauty, principles that are according to them the outcome of their researching and investing in plan research. Their first active principle consists in basing their behaviour on the plant world while always putting plants at the centre of all their products. The cosmetic company reminds us that they “select amongst 1, 100 ingredients of plant origin, those that are best adapted to the cosmetic benefit of each product” (Source: http://www.yvesrocherusa.com/control/dynpage/~struct=about/~page=botanical_beauty/).  Considering that the flora is the crucial element at the centre of Yves Rocher’s production, the international firm seems to have quickly realized that nature is a golden mine that needs to be protect and conserved.  Endangered species and the destruction of the flora could have direct repercussions on the financial balance of the company. In coherence with this mental framework, the forth active principle of the Botanical Beauty guideline is to protect the planet world by what they call “Actively defending the environment” (Source: http://www.yvesrocherusa.com/control/dynpage/~struct=about/~page=botanical_beauty/).  On the website, Yves Rocher states the importance of verifying the status of a plant before using it, in order to avoid using endangered species. In order to limit their impact on the environment, the company declares that they have committed to planting 3 million trees in five years.  For instance, the company realized the scarcity of Arnica Montana, in order to protect the specie; they have decided to replace it with Arnica Chamissonis, cultivated directly on Yves Rocher’s fields.  The firm’s plant Charter also specifies that they forbid the use of GMO botanical ingredients, forbid animal testing and refuse to use animal ingredients, favor cultivated plants and give priority to organic supplies (Source: http://www.yvesrocherusa.com/images/templates/article/cosmetique_vegetale/GUIDE-COSM-GB.pdf). In addition, Yves Rocher also created the Vegetarium, the first museum in Europe totally dedicated to the world of plants. This museum located at La Gacilly (France), is a valid initiative in order to inform public and raise awareness about the need to protect nature.

In order to bring their environmental commitment to the next step and testify their long-term commitment to green causes, in 1991, Yves Rocher founded the Yves Rocher Foundation, under the wing of “Institut de France”, the foundation is “committed to nurturing and protecting nature and humanity” (Source: http://www.yves-rocher-fondation.org/ca/en/foundation/mission/). In order to directly instigate citizens to launch sustainable initiatives at the local level, since 2001, the foundation launched the Women of the Earth Award who celebrates women in 11 countries who are striving to protect nature. The winning recipients receive consistent bursaries that can amount up to seven thousand dollars. In addition to this award, the foundation also directly supports other green initiatives like the restoration of historical gardens or activities to raise awareness on environmentalist issues in schools. In 2007, the Kai Makana project (which can be translated into ”Gift from the Sea”) was awarded $ 7,000, a project “dedicated to the education of the local population to preserve the ocean and marine life” (Source: http://www.kaimakana.org/docs/02282007.pdf).

Based on the firm’s self-corporate presentation, Yves Rocher pushes forward the importance of giving back to the nature constructing “a beauty that uses the regenerative power of plants its vital energy, resistance and longevity” (Source: http://www.yvesrocherusa.com/control/dynpage/~struct=about/~page=50_years/). This cosmetic leader firm has focused its brand identity and marketing strategy on the production of natural botanic products that reflect the natural beauty of nature. It is logical for this corporation to try to preserve and conserve nature, the most important resource and centre piece of their whole business. The seem to demand an ethical respect towards beauty in all its facets: the beauty of a woman should be praised and respected just as much as the beauty of nature!