Date: Tuesday, 14 March 2023; 26th Anniversary.
Sponsor: United Nations
Coordinator: International Rivers Organization
Objective:
The International Day of Action for Rivers is annually observed on March 14 for the following purposes:
- to highlight the importance of rivers in our lives.
- to raise awareness about how freshwater ecosystems like rivers are increasingly being polluted due to human activities.
- to promote and safeguard equitable access to clean and flowing water.
Inception:
The first International Day of Action for Rivers was held around the world on March 14, 1997.
History
In September 1995, several river-focused organizations such as International Rivers Network and European Rivers Network took part in a preparatory meeting in Brazil. An international organizing committee was formed and headed by Brazil’s Movement of People Affected by Large Dams (MAB).
In March 1997, the First International Meeting of People Affected by Dams was held in Curitiba, Brazil. Representatives from over 20 countries agreed to proclaim March 14 as the International Day of Action Against Dams and For Rivers, Water and Life, with a goal to band together against the degradation of rivers, other bodies of water, and watershed areas. The day is known today as the International Day of Action for Rivers.
The date was chosen as it was Brazil’s Day of Action Against Large Dams. Since 1997, the International Day of Action for Rivers has been annually observed all over the world.
Why do we mark the International Day of Action for Rivers?
Rivers are a crucial source for freshwater for drinking and irrigation. Theycreate lives and enrich the ecosystem around us. Rivers are key to restoring and maintaining the world’s biodiversity. Freshwater ecosystems like rivers are not only the zone of Earth’s highest biological diversity but also the zone of our most intense human activities.
Nowadays, freshwater ecosystems are the most degraded on the earth’s surface because of excessive construction, encroachment activities, and dumping industrial sewage into rives. Globally, more than two million tons of sewage, industrial and agricultural waste are discharged into the waters every day. Most rivers across the world are being polluted each day due to the greed of some humans, impacting communities who depend on the rivers for their survival. For sustainable development of the planet, thus, it is important that river bodies are protected from such activities. global action is needed to turn this around.
The International Day of Action for Rivers is significant since it can raise and spread awareness about the value and importance of rivers. It also brings people from across the world to discuss conserving rivers, river management, pollution, and equitable access to clean and flowing water.
Official websites:
www.internationalrivers.org/take-action/international-day-of-action-for-rivers/
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