This time every year, as we are surrounded by candy hearts, flying cupids, and love songs, I begin to think about one of my first loves: the water. My mother made sure that my sister and I could swim almost before we could walk, taking us to a swimming pool in Los Angeles that was nice and warm so as not to shock an infant’s system. I have been in love with the water ever since.

Whether you spend time near freshwater rivers and lakes or on the edge of the ocean, the water provides each of us with critical resources for our lives. The water and the food it grows or nurtures that we need to survive comes from the lakes, rivers, and oceans that crisscross our planet. The ocean regulates our climate and is critical to the growth of much of our international economy. People from all corners of the globe flock to waterways to relax and recreate.

But for all that water gives to us, we aren’t doing enough to protect it. This Valentine’s Day, make a commitment to help protect our water planet. Join us this winter as we launch two new endeavors: an exciting exploration of the Florida Everglades and Florida Bay beyond though EarthEcho Expedition: Beyond the Dead Zone and a brand new program that I am especially excited about that will allow everyone to easily be a part of the solution: The EarthEcho World Water Monitoring Challenge.

Together, this year, let’s show our Water Planet some love. Share your story and tell us why you love our Water Planet on Twitter & Instagram with #WaterPlanet. We’ll share some of our favorites through our own accounts.

Sincerely,

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Philippe Cousteau Jr.

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