In a world where climate change and environmental degradation threaten our most basic human rights, platforms that bring people together for action and collaboration are more important than ever. On 20 June 2025, United People Global hosted a powerful session titled “Our Planet, Our Responsibility”, gathering changemakers from across the globe to share their stories and strategies for driving meaningful environmental action.
Among the most inspiring voices was Zingisa Gono, representing Pondoland Pride, a grassroots organisation from the Eastern Cape committed to water justice, environmental education, and community empowerment. Zingisa presented the Water Guardians Project, a transformative initiative supported by WaterCAN that is proving how local action can create global impact.
Building Young Water Guardians
The Water Guardians Project trains young people in Seaview, Eastern Cape to monitor local freshwater springs using citizen science tools provided by WaterCAN. These young “water guardians” are not only safeguarding their communities’ water resources but are also gaining skills that could shape their futures.
In Youth Month, 17 young participants gathered for a special Youth Day with Purpose, learning practical water conservation skills and how to use citizen science to protect their environment. Zingisa also shared plans to launch environmental clubs in rural schools, pairing them with mentorship and career guidance to inspire future leaders in water resource management and environmental sciences.
Collaboration Without Borders
The project’s impact has already begun to ripple across Africa. After Zingisa’s presentation, a young scientist from Ghana expressed interest in replicating the Water Guardians model in his country—proof that what starts in one small community can spark international collaboration.
Why This Work Matters
This initiative is rooted in equity and inclusion, serving communities that are often overlooked and ensuring that no one is left behind in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation for All. Through WaterCAN’s support, Pondoland Pride is planting the seeds of a movement that is already inspiring youth across South Africa and beyond.
To our partners and supporters: thank you. Your investment in clean water and young people is more than a sponsorship—it is a catalyst for transformation and a source of hope for communities that need it most.
As one attendee from Lesotho said after the session: “This is not just a project. It’s a movement. And it gives us all hope.”
