In this episode of Equity in Every Drop, host Thomas welcomes Nabil Musa of Waterkeepers Iraq Kurdistan. Nabil’s unconventional background in the arts, rather than science, has uniquely positioned him to protect Iraq’s waterways through creativity and passion. Growing up by a river during the tumultuous Iran-Iraq war, Nabil found solace and developed a deep love for nature, which he now channels into his work. Nabil shares experiences from his childhood, the impact of ongoing conflict on the environment, and his creative initiatives, like making giant dragonfly lanterns to raise environmental awareness. He discusses moving to England, working with climate activists, and eventually returning to Iraq to find his beloved river destroyed. Despite numerous challenges, including armed conflict and environmental degradation, Nabil continues to fight for the restoration and protection of Iraq’s natural resources. The episode concludes with a heartfelt appeal for support to aid in his mission to revive Iraq’s rivers and biodiversity.

In this episode of 'Equity in Every Drop,' host Thomas Hynes sits down with Dr. Rosalia Arteaga, a leading environmental advocate and education leader. The discussion covers Dr. Arteaga's distinguished career, including her roles as the former President and Vice President of Ecuador, and her involvement with Waterkeeper Alliance. Dr. Arteaga shares her early influences, her passion for integrating environmental stewardship with education, and her efforts in promoting conservation practices. They also discuss the importance of youth involvement, the potential of science and technology in environmental conservation, and the upcoming global Waterkeeper meeting in Quito, Ecuador. Dr. Arteaga also introduces her project to establish an Eco museum and library in Quito. This in-depth conversation offers valuable insights into the interconnectedness of education, government, and environmental work.

In this episode of Equity in Every Drop, host Thomas Hynes speaks with Dr. Michelle Ryan, senior lecturer in ecology and environmental science at Western Sydney University and the Hawkesbury Nepean Waterkeeper. Dr. Ryan shares her journey from an early fascination with freshwater turtles to her current focus on the ecological health of freshwater systems and the part the iconic platypus plays in this endeavor. She discusses the innovative use of environmental DNA to confirm platypus presence in urbanizing areas, the significant impacts of urban development on platypus habitats, and effective measures to mitigate these impacts. Additionally, Dr. Ryan highlights the resilience of the platypus and the importance of community and governmental collaboration in preserving waterway health. Join them as they explore the challenges and triumphs of protecting this enigmatic and fascinating species.