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.

In this episode, host Thomas Hynes interviews Sharif Jamil, the Buriganga Riverkeeper and coordinator of Waterkeepers Bangladesh. Sharif, a global environmental leader, shares his journey from personal connection to Bangladesh's rivers to becoming an activist and leader in water protection. He discusses the challenges faced by rivers in Bangladesh, such as industrial pollution and urban encroachment, and celebrates the victories, including raising awareness and securing legal recognition for rivers. Sharif reflects on the value of being part of the Waterkeeper Alliance, emphasizing the strength of the network and the shared passion among waterkeepers worldwide.

In the first episode of Season 4 of 'Equity in Every Drop,' host Thomas Hynes is joined by Godfrey Kitimbo of Lake Kyoga Nile Waterkeeper in Uganda and Hartwell Carson, Clean Water Director for Mountain True and former French Broad Riverkeeper in Asheville, North Carolina. Recorded in Dakar, Senegal, where Godfrey and Hartwell were attending the Waterkeeper Alliance Africa Regional Summit, the discussion touched on their long-standing partnership and collaborative efforts in combating water pollution. They shared experiences such as raising funds for a patrol boat and building wells, as well as their future plans to extend water protection efforts across Uganda and surrounding countries. The episode highlights the importance of Waterkeeper alliances and the profound impact of international cooperation in environmental stewardship.

In the fourth season of Equity in Every Drop, we’re taking listeners on a journey across the globe to hear stories from Waterkeepers working on the frontlines of clean water defense.

This season, we spotlight the unique threats, challenges, and opportunities these advocates face in their regions—while also uncovering the shared mission that connects their work: ensuring everyone’s right to clean water.

From defending free-flowing rivers and engaging communities through education, to the urgent fight to protect and monitor waterways—even in the midst of armed conflict—we’ll explore how water advocacy is both deeply local and inherently global.

Because as we know, water does not recognize borders. Defending it must be a collective, international effort.

Whether you’re an experienced advocate or just beginning to learn about the global movement for clean water, join us this season as we amplify voices from around the world and continue the fight for equity in every drop.

In this episode of 'Equity in Every Drop,' host Thomas Hynes interviews Ivy Frignoca, Casco Baykeeper in Maine. Ivy highlights the importance of addressing stormwater runoff, its various pollutants, and the solutions being implemented, including low-impact development and green infrastructure. Ivy emphasizes the necessity of practical and sensible approaches to mitigate these issues and calls for public awareness and participation. Tune in to learn about the ongoing efforts to protect one of Maine's most significant natural resources and how each individual can contribute to cleaner and healthier waters.

In this episode of Equity In Every Drop, host Thomas Hynes speaks with two influential leaders dedicated to the preservation of critical ecosystems. The episode opens with Great Salt Lake Waterkeeper Amy Wicks, who discusses her efforts to protect the largest remaining wetland ecosystem in the American West. Amy elaborates on her background in child advocacy and transition into water policy, sharing her experiences serving on the Ogden City Council. She highlights the Great Salt Lake's significant decline in water levels due to upstream water diversions, primarily for outdoor use such as lawns and golf courses, and discusses the severe ecological impacts stemming from this loss—particularly on migratory bird populations and air quality. She emphasizes the importance of a national and international collaborative approach as well as introduces the 4200 Project, a policy initiative aimed at raising the lake's water levels to 4198 feet to sustain its health and ecological balance.

Bocas de Ceniza Waterkeeper Liliana Guerrero joins the conversation with insights into her organization's mission to protect Columbian rivers, wetlands, and coastal zones through community engagement, legal advocacy, and scientific monitoring. She speaks on the significance of wetlands and Ramsar sites in Colombia (the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands is an international treaty established in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran, for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands), describing their role as critical habitats for over 190 migratory bird species. Underlining the threats these habitats face, such as deforestation, contamination, and climate change, Liliana notes the accelerated rate of wetland decline compared to forests. She elaborates on her work in the legislative field, coordinating efforts to recognize Colombia's rivers as legal entities deserving of special ecological and cultural protection. She also stresses the significant role civil society and Waterkeeper groups play in promoting wetland governance, defending environmental defenders, and translating global frameworks into actionable local projects.