Press Release: WaterWays 2007

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information contact:

Dr. Irene J. Klaver (940) 565-2266
Samantha Reed, (972) 822-9816
Skr0078@unt.edu


THE AVERAGE AMERICAN USES ABOUT 100 GALLONS OF WATER A DAY

UNT to Host the 2nd Biannual WaterWays Conference featuring Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

DENTON (UNT), Texas – March 9, 2007 – Only 1% of Earth’s water is available for drinking, while the other 99% is either salt water or frozen. This small percentage supports the entire world, and while American’s are able to use water liberally everyday other countries face scarcity and pollution. The University of North Texas has the privilege to host “WaterWays: The Confluence of Art, Science, Policy & Philosophy,” to offer new ideas for the relationship between humans, natural ecosystems, and water.

WaterWays 2007 will bring philosophers, politicians, scientists, artists, and managers together for a three-day conference event. The conference will begin on March 13 (Tuesday) with an opening speech by Irene J. Klaver, director of WaterWays, followed by a panel discussion on rainwater harvesting. Discussion and art exhibits will continue through Wednesday and the conference will come to a close on March 15 (Thursday) with a discussion on Mississippi, major rivers, and a luncheon.

This event is FREE and open to the public. It will be held in the Environmental Education, Science and Technology Building with a few discussions and exhibits in the Art Building. For questions or if you are unfamiliar with the UNT campus, go to http://www.unt.edu/pais/map/campusmap.htm.

The conference will feature Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the current president of the WaterKeeper Alliance on March 14 (Wednesday) at 1PM in Room 130 ENV. This speech will be followed by a free reception of Indian food and live music. Kennedy will speak again on Wednesday evening in the Silver Eagle Suite of the University Union at 8pm. The evening speech is free for UNT students and $10 for the general public – tickets are now available in the Union.

There will be an exhibit by Daniel Bozhkov opening on March 14 (Wednesday). This exhibit is an art project Bozhkov has been building for UNT, and reflects the crucial water discussion of the conference. There will also be a photography exhibit, a lecture regarding the film Water, and discussions on India’s river linking plan, rainmaker’s workshops, and much more. For a full schedule of events, please visit www.water.unt.edu/waterways.htm.


Philosophy of Water Project

Launched in September of 2003 by Professor Irene J. Klaver and The Dixon Foundation of Dallas, the Philosophy of Water Issues Program approach crucial water issues that reflect cultural, social, political, and philosophical analyses. It brings together scientists, philosophers, politicians, artists, managers and specialists to help develop new concepts for understanding relationships between natural ecosystems, humans, and water. The Philosophy of Water Issues is made possible by the munificent grant from the Dixon Water Foundation of Dallas, TX and the support of the Department of Philosophy of the University of North Texas.