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International Day of Action for Rivers 2025 on March 14 highlights the importance of rivers. The theme “Our Rivers, Our Future” urges communities to protect water rights.
International Day of Action for Rivers 2025 emphasises river protection.(Image: Shutterstock)
International Day Of Action For Rivers 2025: Every year on March 14, the International Day of Action for Rivers is observed. This day focuses on the importance of rivers and the need to protect them. Rivers provide freshwater, support ecosystems and have been essential to human civilisations for centuries. But today, many rivers are polluted which is affecting both nature and communities.
Some people do not have equal access to clean water which makes the issue even more urgent. This day encourages people to come together, raise awareness and take action to protect rivers. The goal is to ensure that rivers remain clean and flowing freely for future generations. This year marks the 28th celebration of the day.
International Day Of Action For Rivers 2025: Theme
As per the official website of International Rivers, the theme of this year’s International Day of Action for Rivers is “Our Rivers, Our Future.” It highlights the need to unite communities worldwide to protect free-flowing rivers, safeguard water rights and ensure local voices are heard in river management.
International Day Of Action For Rivers 2025: History
The International Day of Action for Rivers was first observed in 1997. It was established during a global meeting held in Curitiba, Brazil, where the first International Meeting of People Affected by Dams was held.
Representatives from 20 countries decided that March 14 would be the official day as it was already recognised in Brazil as a day to protest against large dams.
The purpose of this day is to stand against harmful water projects that damage rivers and the environment. It also aims to promote fair and sustainable ways to manage water resources.
International Day Of Action For Rivers 2025: Significance
The International Day of Action for Rivers is important because it reminds people of the crucial role rivers play in human life. It raises awareness about the threats rivers face such as pollution and excessive water use. The day also promotes better ways to manage rivers that ensure fair access to clean water while protecting their health.
On this day, people are encouraged to take action by participating in clean-up drives, supporting conservation efforts and advocating for policies that safeguard these vital water sources for the future.
International Day Of Action For Rivers 2025: Key Facts
- The Nile River in Africa is the longest river in the world which stretches about 6,695 km and flows through 11 countries.
- The Roe River in Montana, US, is the shortest river in the world, measuring just 201 feet.
- With a length of (6,400 km), Amazon River in South America is believed to be the second longest river in the world.
- In 2007, Martin Strel swam the entire length of the Amazon River. To complete this milestone, he swam for 10 hours a day for 66 days.
- The Congo River in Central Africa is the world’s deepest river with parts believed to be at least 230 meters deep.
- Rivers create stunning landscapes, including valleys, canyons, lakes and waterfalls. Some record-breaking waterfalls include Angel Falls (highest), Khone Falls (widest) and Inga Falls (largest by water volume).
- Rivers can have all kinds of colours. Colombia’s Cano Cristales is called the “River of Five Colors” due to its bright blue, red, yellow, black and green waters.
- Some rivers flow underground. In the Philippines, the Puerto Princesa Underground River runs beneath a mountain for five miles before reaching the sea.
- Rivers are home to diverse wildlife including dolphins, electric eels, freshwater stingrays and turtles.
- Rivers and lakes provide freshwater but they hold less than 1% of the world’s total water. Most of the Earth’s water is salty oceans and ice caps.
- Pollution is a major threat to rivers. Every year, 300-400 million tonnes of waste enter rivers and seas.
- The Ganga River in India is considered sacred and worshipped as a goddess by millions of people.
International Day Of Action For Rivers 2025: Quotes
- “The land, the earth God gave to man for his home … should never be the possession of any man, corporation, (or) society … any more than the air or water.” – Abraham Lincoln
- “Water is the most critical resource issue of our lifetime and our children’s lifetime. The health of our waters is the principal measure of how we live on the land.” – Luna Leopold
- “Thousands have lived without love, not one without water.” – W. H. Auden
- “When the well is dry, we’ll know the worth of water.” – Benjamin Franklin
- “Water is the driver of nature.” – Leonardo da Vinci
- “If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water.” – Loren Eiseley.
