“Rivers are the arteries of our planet; they are lifelines in the truest sense.”
– Mark Angelo
On the fourth Sunday of September, which this year falls on September 26, millions of people in over 100 countries celebrate World Rivers Day. It is a celebration of the world’s waterways, highlighting the many values of rivers and striving to increase public awareness and encourage improved stewardship of them globally.
In 2005 the United Nations launched the Water for Life Decade to help create a greater awareness of the need to better care for our water resources. Following this, World Rivers Day was created by internationally renowned river advocate Mark Angelo. In 1980 he founded British Columbia Rivers Day and later on expanded it to World Rivers Day (WRD).
Angelo was motivated by rivers in virtually every country facing an array of threats, and decided that only through active involvement could he ensure their health in the years ahead.
River enthusiasts from around the world came together to organize the inaugural World Rivers Day event. That first event in 2005 was a great success, and was celebrated across dozens of countries. Since then, the event has continued to grow.
Orange County residents can join the celebration by supporting the Santa Ana River (SAR) Mouth report – a review of activities and threats to the Santa Ana River Mouth, which is governed by multiple municipalities. They can also team up with Orange County Coastkeeper for events ranging from stream cleanups and fish enhancement projects, to educational outings and community riverside celebrations.
Rivers are a precious resource in our region and all over the world. The state of your rivers depends on all of us.
Click here to learn how you can get involved in protecting the State of Your Water.
The State of Your Water is in our hands. Support us today so that we may continue to advocate for
water conservation and keep our coastal and inland waters clean.
