World Rivers Day

World Rivers Day is a celebration of the world’s waterways. World Rivers Day highlights the various values of rivers. The day also strives to raise public consciousness about the importance of rivers and encourages the improved management of rivers around the world. The United Nations in 2005 launched the Water for Life Decade to help create a greater awareness of the need to better care for our water resources. Following this, internationally renowned river advocate, Mark Angelo proposed the establishment of World Rivers Day. This proposal was based on the success of BC Rivers Day founded and led by Mark Angelo in western Canada 1980. The agencies in the United Nations deemed the World Rivers Day event a good fit for the objectives of Water for Life Decade. The first World Rivers Day was held in 2005. This annual celebration is held on the last Sunday of September every year. Events on World Rivers Day include cleanups, habitat restoration, nature walks, paddle trips, school projects, music festivals, parades and art displays.