World Rivers Day

World Rivers Day
Observed byInternational
TypeInternational
DateFourth Sunday of September
FrequencyAnnual
First time2005

World Rivers Day is an annual global event celebrated on the fourth Sunday of every September, emphasizing the importance of rivers and fostering greater public awareness and stewardship for river conservation worldwide.[1][2][3] It was founded by Canadian conservationist Mark Angelo.

History

In 2005, pursuant to the commencement of the United Nations' Water for Life Decade, river advocate Mark Angelo proposed the formation of World Rivers Day. This international endeavor was spurred by the success of BC Rivers Day in Canada, started by Angelo in 1980. The first event in 2005 witnessed celebrations in various nations and has expanded to engage millions.[4]

World Rivers Day is an annual celebration held on the fourth Sunday of September. It underlines the value of rivers and attempts to improve public awareness while supporting better care of rivers internationally.[5][6]

Celebrations

World Rivers Day is observed by a variety of events that emphasize the value of rivers.

In the United Kingdom and Canadam, several activities are undertaken to remove fish barriers and restore river ecosystems, emphasizing the need of conserving healthy waterways. Similarly, public awareness initiatives are designed to educate people about the value of rivers and the need to protect them.[7] World Rivers Day is marked in Bangladesh with activities that emphasize the importance of rivers in daily life and the environment. These festivals usually incorporate educational programs, community cleanups, and cultural activities that bring people together to celebrate and conserve their local rivers.[8] In Dharamshala, India, several organizations and volunteers gathered at the Bhagsu riverside to celebrate World Rivers Day 2024 with the theme “Waterways of Life.” The event included a mass cleanup and an interactive seminar organized by the Tibet Policy Institute.[9]

References

  1. ^ Raj, Neha (2024-09-22). "World Rivers Day 2024: Emphasizing the Vital Role of Rivers in Our Lives". PUNE.NEWS. Retrieved 2024-10-29.
  2. ^ "Celebrating World Rivers Day". The Varsity. 2024-10-06. Retrieved 2024-10-29.
  3. ^ "World Rivers Day 2024: Removing fish barriers across South West". GOV.UK. Retrieved 2024-10-29.
  4. ^ "Q&A: A Canadian river conservation leader on protecting our waterways". canadiangeographic.ca. Retrieved 2024-10-29.
  5. ^ Davenport, Elizabeth (2024-09-24). "World Rivers Day: What role does animal farming play in river pollution?". Animal Aid. Retrieved 2024-10-29.
  6. ^ Bharat, E. T. V. (2024-09-21). "World Rivers Day 2024: Raising Awareness About Importance Of Rivers". ETV Bharat News. Retrieved 2024-10-29.
  7. ^ "World Rivers Day marked in Canada-Xinhua". english.news.cn. Retrieved 2024-10-29.
  8. ^ "World Rivers Day 2024 resources". BBC Teach. Retrieved 2024-10-29.
  9. ^ Tsering, Dawa (2024-09-24). "Tibetans in Dharamshala Observe World Rivers Day 2024 with a Mass Cleanup Drive at Bhagsu - Central Tibetan Administration". Retrieved 2024-10-29.

World Rivers Day event website