In Solidarity: International Day of Action for Rivers

The International Day of Action for Rivers is observed on March 14. This year is the 25th edition of the same and is dedicated to the theme of Solidarity. The day has been dedicated to celebrating, saving, and creating awareness around the importance of the life-giving source of water. Its primary aim is to bring people across the nations together to talk about issues pertaining to river management, river pollution, river conservation on a global scale. 

The 25th Anniversary of this day for rivers is celebrated by highlighting the importance of rivers to the biodiversity of our planet. Many changemakers are opting to work with fundraising and crowdfunding platforms across the world to raise funds required for measures that are to be taken on March 14, to save rivers from further degradation. In 2021, citizens took action with the help of the World Wildlife Fund - a conservation group to free the Hucava river in Slovakia from the largest dam acting as a barrier.

It’s no secret that rivers play a huge role in restoring and maintaining the biodiversity of the world. The rivers are the meeting points of earth’s biological diversity, which happens to be the intense activity for various human endeavors. The year 2022 is the 15th convention of Biological diversity. River waters and freshwaters are one of the most degraded and drained ecosystems on the planet, and the world needs to wake up as global action is needed to make a turnaround.

History of the International Day of Action for rivers 2022

According to internationalrivers.org

"The International Day of Action Against Dams and For Rivers, Water and Life was adopted by the participants of the First International Meeting of People Affected by Dams in March 1997 in Curitiba, Brazil." 

It was noted that river experts from 20 different countries came to a conclusion that March 14 will be the day of action for rivers. The primary aim of this discussion was to unite against the degradation of the freshwater ecosystem that is now prevailing in the 21st century.

The argument that the delegates put forward is that rivers are becoming dumps for garbage and other forms of waste materials. Its central argument was that rivers should be considered national treasures and should be granted legal rights. To promote this cause, environmentalists conduct various training sessions, conferences, and events in the honor of this day.

Image Source - International.org

International Day of Action for Rivers Timeline

• The year 1995 - Formation of an international organization

An introductory meeting is held in Brazil and an international organizing committee is created.

• The year 1997 - The First International Day of Action for Rivers

Representatives of 20 countries come together in Curitiba Brazil to adopt the first International Day of Action for Rivers.

• The year 2010 - Awareness among people increases

People all over the world begin to have a deeper understanding of the significance of rivers.

• The year 2021 - The First Virtual Celebration

The International Day of Action for Rivers was celebrated online due to the pandemic.

How To Observe An International Day Of Action For Rivers

1. Join the movement
   
   If you are the kind of person who can make a difference in the world, then you can organize an event in your area to protect rivers from degradation and pollution. Share the details to [email protected].
   
   

2. Create awareness about the significance of rivers
   
   Create awareness in the immediate vicinity of your surroundings - among your friends, family, relatives.
   
   

3. Share your river story with the world
   
   If you have taken significant action for the protection of our rivers, then you can share that story with the world through social media and the internet. 

Some of the  Important Reasons Why Action Is Needed To Save Rivers

1. River Pollution

River pollution is one of the reasons for which we need to take action on The International Day of Action for Rivers. River pollution takes place as developing countries discharge untreated sewage into the rivers and other water sources, thereby polluting them.

2. Rivers Are The Lifelines Of A Nation

Rivers are the lifelines of the country. Rivers have played a huge role in shaping agriculture, allowing our ancestors to set up communities and farming activities that can be used for commerce.

3. Rivers are home to diverse wildlife

Rivers and other freshwater bodies account for some of the most diverse wildlife and endangered species on the planet. Rivers act as a diverse ecosystem for these habitats. By destroying rivers through human activities, we are indirectly damaging the environment and wildlife. This needs to stop and we must take charge of protecting our rivers from degradation.

Why International Day of Action for Rivers is Important

1. Rivers are the savior of the planet
2. To bring awareness among people
3. Unites the world together for a cause

International Day of Action for Rivers is proof that people from across the globe can come together to participate in a cause that can make a difference in the world. In the past, the year 2020 and the year 2021, on the occasion of the International Day of Action for Rivers, many people from different backgrounds in different countries have come forward and taken action both offline and through the means of the internet. 

Given the history that people have come united for the cause of protection of fresh-water systems, it is a telling anecdote that if we unite and take action today, then the world would be far a better place than it was yesterday.

We are living in an interconnected environment. Human life and the natural world around us are deeply connected in a harmonious relationship. This bond reminds us that the fresh-water system around us is part of our daily lives. Therefore, the protection of these rivers is at the heart of many local communities, NGOs, and other groups. And we cannot express enough gratitude to these communities, and people for their helping hand to take action for protecting rivers.