International Day of Action for Rivers [March 14]

International Day of Action for Rivers is observed on March 14 every year. Rivers are essential for enhancing biodiversity as they support several birds, animals, and aquatic flora. International Day of Action for Rivers is an initiative to spread awareness concerning the ecological importance of rivers.

The purpose of this day to raise awareness about the significance of international rivers in providing resources to humans and habitats to other species. We have shared information about the International Day of Action for Rivers here.

International Day of Action for Rivers 2023

The year 2023 will mark the 29th anniversary of the International Day of Action for Rivers. This day creates awareness among people on the importance of rivers and ways to protect them. The International Rivers Organization highlights the threats caused by increased human to rivers of international importance.

Various data suggest that only 10 per cent of the river basins in the world are protected. It is thus important to dedicate a day like International Day of Action for Rivers that foregrounds the importance of rivers and their conservation.

International Day of Action for Rivers 2023 Theme

The theme for International Day of Action for Rivers 2023 is “Rights of Rivers.” Every year, the International Rivers Organization sets a new theme for the day. The celebration of the event takes place by conducting talks around the same theme.

This year, the International Day of Action for Rivers 2023 theme focuses on highlighting that rivers should be treated respectfully and responsibly. Rivers are homes to countless species and provide us with several resources. Therefore, all rivers should be treated well.

International Day of Action for Rivers - History

We have shared details about the origin and history of the International Day of Action for Rivers here:

• The idea of the International Day of Action for Rivers was agreed upon at the First International Meeting of People Affected by Dams in Curitiba, Brazil.
• The group adopted the idea of observing the International Day of Action for Rivers in 1997 to conserve the rivers and reclaim the health of water bodies around the world.
• On this day, participants from Asia, Africa, and Latin America work to create an impact by networking the change movements, community voicing, and research.

Significance of International Day of Action for Rivers

Here, we have shared some points that suggest the significance of the International Day of Action for Rivers:

• Rivers are essential for every living being and form several ecosystems that support infinite lives.
• They are vital as they also give life to plants and animals.
• International Day of Action for Rivers is a reminder that many people rely on rivers for fishing as their livelihood.
• Increased human activities like building dams, encroachment and urbanization, deforestation, and pollution have resulted in the shrinking and pollution of rivers.
• International Day of Action for Rivers promotes activities that involve the protection and conservation of rivers in several parts of the country.

International Day of Action for Rivers - Facts

Some of the most interesting facts about rivers and the International Day of Action for Rivers are as follows:

• March 14, 2023, will mark the 29th anniversary of the International Day of Action for Rivers.
• Around 30-32 countries participate in the celebration of this day.
• Some of the events held on International Day of Action for Rivers include river walks, cleaning drives, webinars, and other events.
• The longest river in the world is the Nile (6,650 km) in Egypt, and the shortest river in the world is the river Roe (61m) in the United States.
• Some rivers flow beneath the surface of the earth and are called subterranean rivers.
• Rivers are of two kinds: rain-fed rivers and snow-fed rivers.
• Rivers are the lifeline of all living beings in the world. With continuous human activities, many rivers have shrunk and are polluted.
• International Day of Action for Rivers, celebrated on March 14 every year, emphasizes conserving the rivers by uniting people in the effort.

FAQs on International Day of Action for Rivers

Q1. When is the International Day of Action for Rivers celebrated?

International Day of Action for Rivers is celebrated on March 14 every year. This day is observed to highlight the current condition of international rivers and the threats faced by them. International Day of Action for Rivers also encourages people to come together and save international rivers.

Q2. Why do we celebrate International Day of Action for Rivers?

International Day of Action for Rivers is celebrated to spread awareness among people on the importance of rivers and the need for conservation. More and more river basins around the world are being affected by human activities, resource exploitation and pollution. International Day of Action for Rivers is a reminder to look after all international rivers.

Q3. Who established the International Day of Action for Rivers?

International Day of Action for Rivers was established by the International Rivers Organization. This organization works to conserve rivers of the world. Realizing the threats faced by international rivers, the organization established the International Day of Action for Rivers.

Q4. How can we celebrate the International Day of Action for Rivers?

Here are some ideas on how to celebrate International Day of Action for Rivers:

• Conduct awareness camps, river walks, and cleaning drives.
• Joining online webinars on river protection and conservation.
• Organizing conservation talks and similar events.

Q5. What is the theme of International Day of Action for Rivers 2023?

The International Day of Action for Rivers 2023 theme is “Rights of Rivers.” Rivers are homes to several species and provide humans with countless resources. Therefore, the International Day of Action for Rivers suggests that all rivers should be treated well.

Q6. What was the highlight of International Day of Action for Rivers 2021?

The highlight of International Day of Action for Rivers 2021 was that more than 120 events were held in more than 30 countries to conserve rivers. Each year, more than 30 countries around the world participate in the International Day of Action for Rivers to advocate for the conservation of international rivers.