A panoramic view of the Okanagan Valley with West Kelowna in the foreground and mountains in the background
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A lightly snowed hillside above Okanagan Lake

"Whoever you are, wherever you are, water is your human right."United Nation’s World Water Day

A child drinking water from an outdoor tap  A person drinking water from a glass cup  An old person drinks water from a small outdoor trough

March 22 is World Water Day, a United Nation's (UN) initiative focusing attention on the importance of water.


Did you know?

This year's theme is "Leaving no one behind," UN Sustainable Development Goal 6 aims to ensure availability and sustainable management of water for all by 2030. OCCP supports sustainable water management in the Okanagan by promoting a collaborative approach to biodiversity conservation and restoration. 

OCCP projects supporting sustainable water management

  • Public education - Our Okanagan Lakeshore Living Resource is a tool for lakeshore residents to support them in managing their property to best protect our lake. Check out our site to learn more.
  • Collaborative Development of The Okanagan Lake Management Plan – OCCP and the South Okanagan Similkameen Conservation Program (SOSCP) have brought together non-governmental organizations, First Nations, and local and senior governments from across the Okanagan to develop a long term Protection Strategy to enhance shoreline and upland management to protect Okanagan Lake.

Kalamalka Lake seen from a partially snow-covered hill  South Okanagan Lake with orchard rows in the foreground  Kalamalka Lake near Oyama

OCCP Partner Organizations are also engaged on the topic of sustainable water management. Both the Okanagan Nation Alliance and Okanagan WaterWise have community initiatives supporting World Water Day.

The Okanagan Nation Alliance and Syilx people, are making great strides towards forming partnerships for water protection within Syilx Territory, hosting their 5th annual siwɬkʷ (Water) Forum, taking place on March 22, 2019, as part of World Water Day. 


This year’s theme is ‘Collaborative Approach to Water Resiliency: Protecting Our Headwaters,’ and with the Town of Peachland, focuses on the health and protection of the scʕaxans nhithitwəl̓ (Peachland Watershed).

The Forum anticipates bringing together 100 people, including Syilx/Okanagan leaders, elders, traditional knowledge keepers and community members, alongside municipal and provincial governments, NGO representatives, and academics. Participants will connect with each other on the land, share perspectives, and engage in dialogue on drinking water protection, wetlands, and other important water issues including impacts of forestry and mining. 

The Forum aims to develop collaborative projects to address issues facing water in Syilx Territory. OCCP looks forward to supporting these projects, working towards sustainable water management.


Okanagan WaterWise, a local initiative advocating for responsible water use, has a challenge for the youth of the Okanagan - Be a Climate Hero! 

Enter the challenge as an individual or classroom and showcase how you exemplify being a Climate Hero. What are your super powers? And how do you encourage others to join in on the action? 

The challenge runs from March 17- April 30, 2019. By participating you'll be entered to win some incredible prizes, including an on-the-water classroom experience, for class entries. Find out more about the challenge and tips for reducing your water usage by visiting Okanagan WaterWise

How do you support sustainable water management in our community?

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