International Day of Action for Rivers is annually observed across the globe on 14th March to create awareness about the importance and value of rivers. The day was formerly known as International Day of Action against Dams, for Rivers, Water, and Life.
- The Focus of the International Day of Action for Rivers 2022 is “To highlight the importance of Rivers to Biodiversity.”
- 14th March 2022 marks the celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the International Day of Action for Rivers.
The 2022 International Day of Action for Rivers is celebrated with the hashtags #Rivers4Biodiversity and #RiversUniteUs.
Aim:
To raise voices in unison against destructive water development projects, reclaim the health of watersheds, and demand the equitable and sustainable management of rivers.
Background:
i.International Day of Action against Dams, for Rivers, Water, and Life was adopted by the participants of the First International Meeting of People Affected by Dams held in March 1997 in Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil.
ii.Representatives from 20 countries decided that the International Day of Action would take place on March 14 – Brazil’s Day of Action Against Large Dams.
Significance:
The day is dedicated to solidarity when diverse communities around the world come together to highlight the importance of Protecting rivers and defending the rights of the communities that depend on Rivers.
Key Points:
i.Rivers are supporting the highest rate of biodiversity compared to any other ecosystem and providing for the livelihoods of millions of local, indigenous and traditional peoples.
ii.They are under extreme threat, with less than 10% of the world’s river basins protected.
iii.The construction of dams have displaced around 40-80 million people and harmed millions.
iv.In the past 40 years, on average, more than 80% of the wildlife that inhabits rivers and lakes have been lost.
