International Day of Action for Rivers - 3/14/25

By: Tom | March 13, 2025

History of International Day of Action for Rivers

The first International Day of Action for Rivers was observed in 1997 at the International Meeting of People Affected by Dams in Curitiba, Brazil. Since then, world wide events have been held annually on March 14th. To grasp the importance, you must first understand the relationship between our rivers and the societies that live near them. It’s no coincidence that some of the largest population masses in the world have been settled by rivers. Abundant fresh water accessibility is paramount to basic human survival. Its presence fulfills a variety of needs; including drinking water, agriculture and sanitation. Most Americans take this precious commodity for granted. Yet, raw, untreated sewage flows freely into 80% of the rivers in developing countries, creating hazardous conditions.

The International Day of Action for Rivers brings communities from around the world together to organize and advocate for change. Hands on cleanups, educational workshops and peaceful demonstrations are all part of creating a better public awareness of this devastating problem.

Not Just a Third World Problem

There is no question conditions are at their worst in poverty stricken areas of the world. Yet, underestimating just how bad US rivers have become would be a dangerous mistake. Agricultural runoff, urban development, and outdated water infrastructure highlight some of the most serious issues facing American rivers. Below we've listed some of the most notable rivers in danger. Yet, similar issues exist all across our country.

US Rivers in Danger

Ohio River: (Named Among America’s Most Endangered Rivers of 2023) Heavy industrialization, including mining and resource extraction is poisoning this once beautiful river. Thus, endangering the safety of 5 million people who rely on this water supply. in June of 1969, an all time low point occurred when an oil slick on the waters surface actually caused the river to catch on fire.
Delaware River: Industrial, agricultural runoff and untreated sewage discharge have been blamed for this rivers steady deterioration. Reports indicate that as much as 97% of the river’s waterways are now compromised.
Mississippi River: This famous and beloved river is also in serious peril. Agricultural, industrial, and urban pollution are a major cause of this dilemma. Contamination of this river also has far reaching ramifications. Nitrogen and phosphate pollution from agricultural runoff contributes to the formation of invironmental Dead Zones in the Gulf of Mexico. This has dangerous implications for marine biodiversity and local fishing economies.

Why this Day Matters

This year marks the 28th annual International Day of Action for Rivers. It serves as a somber reminder of the grave conditions of our essential waterways throughout the world. But, this day also offers hope and optimism that real change can occur in our lifetime. The initial goal is to create awareness, but ultimately to inspire positive action. Initiating and maintaining more sustainable practices is vital to preserving our rivers. While public awareness continues to grow, so too does the rapid deterioration of our rivers. The call to action has never been more urgent.

This Years Theme

Every year, the International Day of Action for Rivers establishes a universal concept for their events. The theme for 2025 is “Our Rivers, Our Future”. The premise being that when Irresponsible development projects put our rivers at risk, we’re all at risk. While each year is promoted with a slightly different twist, the overall objective remains the same. If this problem is to be irradiated, we all need to do our part, because we are all in this together.