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Humans often assume that the water belongs to them, but water belongs to itself, and all earth's inhabitants should be able to use it equally. In this project, the Multispecies Collective explores what water justice means, together with other animals.
Radius is located in an old water tower and pumping station. Traditionally, clean water has been intended for humans. People extract it from the earth, with consequences for non-humans. This worked well for them for a long time, but currently, water is becoming increasingly scarce across the Netherlands, due to global warming and other problems associated with the climate crisis, caused by human actions. Water in the Netherlands is also severely polluted, which, for example, leads to major problems in nature reserves for non-human residents. According to Natuurmonumenten, this is partly due to the use of pesticides, fertilizers in the water, excessive water drainage, groundwater extraction, and the already mentioned climate crisis. This damage is becoming irreversible. We must therefore develop a different view of the right to water. For this, we must listen to the voices of those who currently have no right to speak.
In this project, we primarily listen to the insects, birds, and plants that live in or visit the garden of Radius. We invite them to engage with us in a conversation about how the fountain should look. The fountain consists of separate elements, which we will use to ask insects and birds how they would like public spaces to be designed. As residents and beings dependent on this place, they have the strongest right to the space and thus the most right to speak. Ultimately, the goal is for the fountain to provide them with a safe place to drink or bathe, and in the summer, to provide them with shade. In addition to the residents of the Radius garden, we will also engage with humans. We will talk to human experts (such as politicians and ecologists), local residents, and children about multispecies water justice.
We also take water itself seriously as an entity that we respect. According to Daoism, water appears weak, but it is ultimately stronger than anything else in the world. Water nourishes everything effortlessly. From water, we can learn how to live differently.
Meetings
Multispecies Inventory – March 23
During this meeting, the collective will engage with human experts about who lives near the fountain and has a right to water. By experts, we mean politicians, ecologists, but also artists, birdwatchers, tinkerers, homeless people, and others who can have their own expertise about how to share space and water fairly. We begin with a listening exercise. During the meeting, we will search for branches, stones, and leaves to add to the fountain and think about how we can better communicate with other animals. On a large sheet of paper, we will draw who and what we are discussing.
Living Together with Human and Non-Human Neighbors – May 4
During this meeting, the collective will engage with local residents about how we can share space justly with non-humans. We will discuss the history of Radius and the right to water in times of climate crisis. Human responsibility will be central to our conversation, as well as seeking ways to better listen to each other (with which we mean both humans and non-humans) in times of polarization. We begin with a listening exercise. During the meeting, we will search for branches, stones, and leaves to add to the fountain and think about how we can better communicate with other animals.
Water for the Future – May 18
During this meeting, the collective will engage with children about who has a right to water now and in the future. Is drinking water only for humans or also for dogs and birds? Should you shower every day? Should humans ensure that other animals have water? What animals actually live in water? What is water, really? What would it be like if you could change form just like water? During the meeting, we will search for branches, stones, and leaves to add to the fountain and think about how we can better talk to other animals about these kinds of questions. This activity is suitable for children aged 5-10 years.