Li An Phoa as the new Voice of Water

We often use water as a commodity. It flows seemingly effortlessly and abundantly from the tap. But drought and pollution threaten the water quality and water availability in the Netherlands. Many people are now aware of this. Smart water designs can ensure that every drop is captured and saved. But in this water transition, a different view of our relationship to water is just as important. The Embassy of Water includes the Voice of Water in its discussions on water to give water the voice it deserves as a living entity. Thus, decisions on housing and the living environment are increasingly taken from the point of view of what water needs.

Li An Phoa is the founder of Drinkable Rivers and, through walks and education, she draws attention to the problem and tries to get people to take action for a world with drinkable rivers. Among other things, she walked 1,000 kilometres from the source of the Maas River to its mouth, mobilising inhabitants, mayors and other interested parties along the way to see the river through different eyes and to help restore the water. Together with Maarten van der Schaaf, she wrote the book ‘Drinkable Rivers’ and made a documentary for NPO about the drinkable Maas River. During Dutch Design Week 2022, she will take on a prominent role as the Voice of Water at the Embassy of Water.