EarthEcho International facts for kids

EarthEcho International is a special group that works to protect our planet's environment. It's a nonprofit organization, which means it doesn't make money for owners; instead, all its efforts go towards its mission. This organization was started by the family of a famous ocean explorer named Philippe Cousteau. EarthEcho is based in Washington, D.C., the capital city of the United States.

EarthEcho International

EarthEcho International was created to continue the important work of Philippe Cousteau, who cared deeply about the ocean and all living things. His children and wife wanted to keep his passion alive and inspire young people to protect our planet. The group was first called the Philippe Cousteau Foundation. Later, they changed their name to EarthEcho International to make sure there was no confusion with another organization connected to the Cousteau family.

What Does EarthEcho Do?

EarthEcho International focuses on educating and inspiring young people to take action for a healthier planet. They believe that young people have the power to make a big difference in protecting our environment. They create programs and resources that help kids and teens learn about important environmental issues, like keeping our water clean and protecting ocean life.

Who Started EarthEcho?

The organization was founded by Philippe Cousteau's children, Philippe Cousteau Jr. and Alexandra Cousteau, along with his widow, Jan Cousteau. Philippe Cousteau was a well-known oceanographer, someone who studies the ocean. He was part of the famous Cousteau family, known worldwide for their amazing underwater explorations and films. His legacy of exploring and protecting the ocean inspired his family to create EarthEcho International. They wanted to make sure his message of caring for the Earth continued for future generations.

The EarthEcho Water Challenge

One of EarthEcho's most important activities is the "EarthEcho Water Challenge." This event used to be called "World Water Monitoring Day." It's an annual program that encourages people, especially young citizens, to check the quality of their local rivers, lakes, streams, and oceans.

Why is Water Monitoring Important?

Monitoring water quality is super important because it helps us understand if our water sources are healthy. When you test water, you can find out if there are pollutants or if the water is safe for plants, animals, and even people. The EarthEcho Water Challenge teaches participants how to do simple tests to measure things like temperature, pH (how acidic or basic the water is), dissolved oxygen (how much oxygen is in the water for fish to breathe), and turbidity (how cloudy the water is). By collecting this information, people can see if their local water needs help and what steps might be needed to protect it. It's a great way for anyone to become a "citizen scientist" and help keep their community's water clean.

How Can You Get Involved?

EarthEcho International encourages young people to get involved in many ways. You can participate in the EarthEcho Water Challenge, join their youth leadership programs, or use their educational resources to learn more about environmental issues. They believe that every person, no matter their age, can make a positive impact on the environment. By working together, we can ensure a healthy planet for everyone.