Prizes Inspire 4-H Clubs to Participate in National Water Week

Nova Scotia youth can learn and win by participating in water projects designed to better protect, understand, and encourage community involvement with water resources.

Nova Scotia 4-H clubs will be eligible for cash prizes when they participate in the 2011 4-H water challenge to celebrate Canada's inaugural Water Week from March 14 to 22. World Water Day is celebrated on March 22.

"Nova Scotians value their water and they want to see it protected and well managed," said Minister of Environment, Sterling Belliveau. "Canada Water Week is an opportunity for us to celebrate water as a resource and to consider water conservation. The 4-H Water Challenge is a great way to engage youth and the community to care about our water."

The Department of Environment, in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, is offering up to $500 in each of Nova Scotia's six 4-H regions to clubs who participate in community water projects such as a stream clean up, visiting a water treatment facility, conducting water testing, or carrying out water conservation practices.

"Through this project 4-H members and leaders will learn more about the importance of water and the value of protecting this important resource," said Ruth Grant, senior 4-H program co-ordinator with Department of Agriculture. "Clubs across the province will be developing community projects to celebrate the importance of protecting the water around us."

In August, Canadian premiers approved the Council of the Federation's water charter and initiated Canada Water Week.

Under the council banner -- Celebrating and Conserving Water Across Our Country -- provinces and territories are holding events and activities to draw attention to the importance of water for Canada's prosperity.

4-H is a nationwide program dedicated to the development of rural leadership skills of young people. In Nova Scotia, there are about 100 clubs in six regions. The Department of Agriculture works in partnership with the Nova Scotia 4-H council and its volunteer leaders and members.

For information on Nova Scotia's water resource management strategy Water for Life, visit http://waterforlife.gov.ns.ca .