You do not often get to commemorate something beautiful, soul-soothing and profoundly important. In fact, there probably isn’t another designated date quite like the fourth Sunday of September. Mark it on your calendar and join in on the global celebration of World Rivers Day.
Recognition of our vital waterways began as an offshoot of the United Nation’s Water for Life Decade in 2005. Since then, collective awareness has mobilized conservation efforts, inspired reclamation projects and enhanced eco-friendly behavior.
As we strive to take better care of our rivers, they continue to take care of us. They transport our goods, irrigate our crops and establish our borders. People around the world depend on rivers for food and water. Whether the current runs deep and strong or races across rocky shallows, our rivers are an irreplaceable part of the planet’s ecosystem.
They are also an integral part of our sanity. We escape the city by kayaking down a favorite river. We unwind by casting a line in the water and daydreaming while we don’t catch fish. Stretching out on a shady bank refreshes our souls. Yes, rivers take very good care of us.
If you haven’t made plans for World Rivers Day, it is never too early or late to get started. Think locally and form a litter pickup patrol. Think globally and contribute to an organization focused on world river preservation. Get involved in habitat restoration or just head out and enjoy a nature walk along the river banks.
However you decide to celebrate World Rivers Day, get someone else involved. Extra hands and heads are always better than one. Spread the word, enlist with enthusiasm and adopt a waterway. It is the least we can do for the beautiful rivers that take such good care of us.