Erik Orsenna: “Access to water is the first access to life”
In “L’avenir de l’eau, petit précis de mondialisation II”, Erik Orsenna (photo opposite taken during the Sorosoro Encounters on June 9, 2008, credit: Eric Lefeuvre) deals with one of the Fondation Chirac’s main concerns: access to water. He echoes the Fondation’s warning when he says, “if we do nothing today, we will soon be faced with thirst riots”. (Jacques Chirac’s speech at Unesco on November 13, 2008).
If you were to keep only one image from your work?
Erik Orsenna: That’s not possible. Water is diverse because it is geographic. Each situation and each problem are different. We cannot simplify this issue. The only principle to keep in mind is a human being MUST have water and sanitation. Every person MUST have his minimum of 40 liters of water a day. Access to water is the first access to life. It is also the first access to dignity.
What is the most shocking thing you encountered while travelling?
E.O.: In fact, in most cases, the lack of water can be remedied. The problem does not stem from a physical lack of water but from political laziness. If we maintain the networks and recycle water, quite a lot could already be saved!
What are the priorities then?
E.O.: To consider water and sanitation as the priority. Governments do not do this and give very little to water and agriculture. The result is the inevitable water and agricultural crisis!
In your book, you describe the city of Cochabamba, in Bolivia. You state, “In this world of extreme violence where the smallest step towards democracy is a battle (…), the social conquering of water is a practical obligation (drinking water); it is also the defense of one’s dignity, as well as management training.” The Fondation Chirac looks to turn access to water into a means to prevent conflict. Do you believe in this method?
E.O.: Of course! Jacques Chirac’s method is indeed the best. As does the Sorosoro program, we have to tackle the water problem head on and throw ourselves into field work. Dialogue and concrete projects are two keys to today’s necessary actions! When people are hungry and thirsty, they destroy everything and we can’t blame them! We are headed towards a “Chronicle of Riots Foretold”.
C.Samuel-Lajeunesse
