This book is built on a unique process of consultation which took heart, mind and body into account – a linkage of wisdom shared by academics, policy makers, and ordinary citizens. The narratives in the book reflect the processes, the realities and the advocacy for change much needed in today’s pandemic-riddled world of inequities. The theme of water is that of life itself. Intrinsic to all health: planetary, governance, and urban and rural human realities, water defines the essence of our lives and the imperatives of our individual and institutional accountability for today – and for a tomorrow. - Azza Karam, Secretary General of Religions for Peace International and Professor of Religion and Development at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Water is life’s enabler, the catalyst to build a better future for all. Water brings us all together, forging inspiring coalitions, empowering all across society. Water is about us humans, it changes us, from within. This book shows the need to embrace these different values of water. It inspires the global water dialogue and helps us strengthen our water partnerships, for hope and the power to change course. - Henk Ovink, Special Envoy for International Water Affairs for the Netherlands People of faith believe that water is a source of life, a symbol of cleansing, sometimes even sacred. In reality the opposite is often true: water may be scarce, stolen or toxic. Water may give life and provide sanitation, but in South Africa we also face realities of extreme drought and children drowning in pit toilets. This volume is unique, as it brings together civil society, religion, government, business, and academia to find ways of working together to address these tensions and challenges around water and climate change. - Prof. Ernst Conradie, Department of Religion and Theology, University of the Western Cape
