Equity
Equity is both a goal and a strategy. Using the principles of equity to set up a process–for example, water planning in a time of water scarcity–can result in a more equitable distribution of resources, such as water in our drought-stricken NM. And how do we get to an equitable water future? In my mind it starts with listening to the community. People know what they want and what they need. The planning process must help communities distinguish between these two things so we can figure out a way for everyone to share equitably in the abundance or scarcity of water. People, animals, plants, and the river itself depend on it because Agua es Vida. Water is Life. Without an equitable water plan something/one will suffer or cease to be. And wouldn’t that be a tragedy when we have a chance to do better?