Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Day 91: International World Water Day


International World Water Day is held annually on 22 March as a means of focusing attention on the importance of freshwater and advocating for the sustainable management of freshwater resources.

This is the first time in human history that most of the world's populations live in cities: 3.3 billion people ...and the urban landscape continues to grow.

Expanding slums represents 38% of the growth, while the city populations are increasing faster than city infrastructure can adapt.

The objective of World Water Day 2011 is to focus international attention on the impact of rapid urban population growth, industrialization and uncertainties caused by climate change, conflicts and natural disasters on urban water systems.

This year theme, Water for cities: responding to the urban challenge, aims to spotlight and encourage governments, organizations, communities, and individuals to actively engage in addressing the challenges of urban water management.

International Rivers' mission is to protect rivers and defend the rights of communities that depend on them. They oppose destructive dams and the development model they advance, and encourage better ways of meeting people’s needs for water, energy and protection from damaging floods. To achieve this mission, they collaborate with a global network of local communities, social movements, non-governmental organizations and other partners. Through research, education and advocacy, International Rivers works to halt destructive river infrastructure projects, address the legacies of existing projects, improve development policies and practices, and promote water and energy solutions for a just and sustainable world. The primary focus of their work is in the global South.

International Rivers seeks a world in which rivers and the ecosystems they support are valued, and the importance of the links between healthy environments and healthy societies are understood. They envision a world where development projects neither degrade nature nor impoverish people, and where all people have a voice in decisions affecting their lives and livelihoods.

Donation: $5

To support international Rivers, please visit:  http://www.internationalrivers.org

1 comment:

  1. Dear William,

    Thanks so much for your support and spreading the word about our efforts to protect the world's endangered rivers.

    Regards,
    Karolo Aparicio
    Director of Individual Giving
    International Rivers
    www.internationalrivers.org

    ReplyDelete