River Action

By Maya Planker

International Day of Action for Rivers is recognized on March 14th, dedicated to saving and creating awareness about the significance of rivers. Healthy and clean rivers are a human right. That’s why the day brings people together to converse about keeping our rivers safe and pollution free. 

Communities and ecosystems are the ones vulnerable to risk first when rivers are destroyed, polluted, or resisted by infrastructure. As our climate and global crisis rises, people and our planet are in danger, because we can’t survive with filthy water. It’s our responsibility to shield our shared water. By having the power to take action for rivers, there’s affirmation in ensuring that communities do have access to flowing, clean water (“International Rivers” n.d.) 

The origin of the International Day of Action for Rivers began in September 1995. When several organizations such as, International Rivers Network (I.R.N), India’s Save the Narmada Movement (N.B.A), Chile’s Biobio Action Group (GABB), and European Rivers Network (ERN), came together in Brazil and formed an International Organizing Committee (“National Today” n.d). In March 1997, the people from the first international meeting acquired the International Day of Action Against Dams, and for Rivers, Water, and Life and made the International Day of Action for Rivers to be taken place on March 14th. 

Protecting our rivers is not just about keeping water clean, it’s keeping our environment livable, strengthening our climate, and creating a sustainable life for our future generations. To help our rivers is to not litter and reduce our daily plastic waste. 

Keep Our Rivers Clean!