Five years on, Water Warriors is inspiring a new generation to care for the Foyle
Those familiar with Loughs Agency and our statutory responsibilities will know that education and engagement sit at the heart of what we do. Our mission is to ensure that everyone - from school pupils and community groups to the wider public - understands the importance of our waterways and natural environment, and feels empowered to help protect these remarkable shared assets across the Foyle and Carlingford catchment areas.
This week, our ever-popular Water Warriors Live shows returned, marking the fifth anniversary of this fantastic initiative. Beginning at the Millennium Forum, more than 900 secondary school pupils gathered for a day of science-themed entertainment, combined with important messages about looking after local rivers and waterways. Mark the Science Guy has done a superb job hosting the shows over the years, and it is wonderful to welcome him back to bring his trademark energy to a subject he is clearly passionate about: climate change and the natural world.
What makes Water Warriors special is that it runs throughout the year in a variety of forms. Our Marine Machine educational trailer travelled extensively across the Foyle area this year, giving pupils the chance to get up close to crabs, starfish and other fascinating marine species. We also delivered water-based activities during the popular Foyle Maritime Festival, giving young people the opportunity to try kayaking, sailing and other experiences on the water.
Over the past five years, the programme has engaged more than 15,000 young people, bringing them closer to their local waterways, sparking curiosity about the natural environment and highlighting potential careers in environmental or marine science. This work also directly underpins our wider responsibilities to conserve, manage and protect the Foyle and Carlingford catchments.
Our enforcement officers continue to work year-round to tackle illegal fishing and pollution, supported by the public through our WaterWatch app, with educational initiatives like Water Warriors having a circular effect on that work. Young people who learn to understand and value their local rivers grow into adults who protect them and speak up when something is wrong, helping make those incidents fewer and further between.
We would like to thank every school, pupil, partner and supporter who has taken part in Water Warriors over the past five years.
The level of interest and enthusiasm we continue to see is hugely encouraging, and bodes very well for the future of our waterways.
- Sharon McMahon, CEO, Loughs Agency.