Rotary collaborates to study and monitor the river and advocate for change.
The Styx River is one of three essential rivers in Christchurch, NZ which drain the catchment. However, poor water quality has affected the wildlife and flora nearby.
“We are losing sensitive species,” says Leo Fietje, the Water Quality Co-ordinator at the Styx River Laboratory Trust. “We believe that it’s largely due to the deposition of silt and sediment getting into the river from development that’s occurring in the catchment.”
Rotary has come on board to work with the Styx River Laboratory Trust to improve and preserve the fresh water system. Every month, volunteers visit the river to test the health of the river, measuring the oxygen and bacteria levels in the water.
“Our long term goal is to have better quality fresh water systems,” says Prawindra Mukhia, Lead from Rotary District 9999. “Our value at Rotary is to protect and preserve the environment.”
Together, they aim to see the Styx River restored to its natural beauty and welcome back native wildlife seen in previous years.
To read more about the Styx River project visit https://rotaryoceania.zone/cafw
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