Seventh Annual World Rivers Day Set For September 25

With Many of the World's Waterways Under Environmental Stress, World Rivers Day Increases Awareness, Promotes Better Stewardship, and Encourages River Conservation

BURNABY, BRITISH COLUMBIA, Sep 15, 2011 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- Millions of people from across the globe are expected to participate in the seventh annual World Rivers Day (WRD) on Sunday, September 25. With many of the world's rivers facing severe and increasing threats associated with climate change, pollution, and industrial development, more than 60 countries are participating in this year's festivities. Some events will focus on educational and public awareness activities while others will include river and stream cleanups, habitat enhancement and restoration projects, and community riverside celebrations. WRD is based on the great success of BC Rivers Day in Canada's western-most province.

Rivers Day strives to increase public awareness about the importance of our waterways as well as the threats confronting them.

"Rivers are the arteries of our planet and yet many waterways continue to be impacted by inappropriate practices and inadequate protection," says Mark Angelo, Rivers Day Chair and head of the Rivers Institute at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT).

Angelo, a member of the Order of Canada and an inaugural recipient of a United Nations (UN) Award for Science, Education and Conservation, initially founded BC Rivers Day in British Columbia before successfully lobbying numerous organizations as well as agencies of the UN to recognize WRD in 2005. Marking a global response to the need to better manage and care for our river ecosystems, WRD celebrates the many values of the world's waterways while also encouraging appropriate action to better protect rivers and streams. The event is also intended to compliment the UN's broader Water for Life Decade initiative and they have lent their valued support to this global rivers initiative.

"Millions of people, dozens of countries, and numerous international organizations will be contributing to World Rivers Day," says Angelo, founder and chair of World Rivers Day. "WRD provides a great opportunity for people to get out and enjoy our waterways. At the same time, the event strives to create a greater awareness of the urgent need to better care for our rivers and streams."

Endorsed in its inaugural year by the United Nations University and the International Network of Water, Environment, and Health and with HSBC as its lead sponsor, WRD events will include activities in much of the world ranging from Canada to England, Russia to the United States, China to Australia, and from the major rivers of Europe to the island nation of Dominica.

All countries are encouraged to participate and events can be registered at www.worldriversday.bcit.ca .

"It's pretty exciting to see a local event that started 30 years ago in British Columbia evolve into such a positive global force for better care of our rivers," says Angelo. "Beyond celebrating our rivers, WRD helps to create a greater awareness of the many threats that confront our waterways. Many rivers are also being hard hit by climate change and have come to symbolize the freshwater crisis facing many countries, making improved stewardship even more imperative".

WRD fosters an increased awareness of water-related issues and promotes core values associated with sustainability, conservation, and river stewardship.

Further information on WRD and how countries and/or organizations can participate can be found at www.worldriversday.bcit.ca .

Contacts:
        British Columbia Institute of Technology
        Dave Pinton
        Media Relations Acting Manager
        604-432-8306 or Cell: 778-928-2288
        dave_pinton@bcit.ca
 
www.bcit.ca/news            
        
        

SOURCE: BCIT

mailto:dave_pinton@bcit.ca
 
http://www.bcit.ca/news            

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