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-March 2006- |
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World Water Day: Planning for Cleaner Water
"We plan our cities near water; we bathe in water; we play in water; we work with water. Our lives depend [on water]. [Yet] in recent decades, water has fallen in our esteem. No longer an element to be revered and protected, it is a consumer product that we have shamefully neglected."
-World Day for Water 2006: Water and Culture
Understanding the gravity of our worldwide water crisis, the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) created UN-Water, an inter-agency mechanism that works for cleaner water and better sanitation worldwide. The United Nations General assembly then designated March 22 as the World Day for Water. Observed internationally, World Water Day is a day for states and UNCED to evaluate whether plans to protect water quality are meeting their goals and to promote activities initiated by each country. Part of this agenda calls for increased cooperation to protect water for biodiversity .
Observing World Water Day can be an easy thing to do. You can emulate the UN's efforts by evaluating your organization's own river conservation plans and initiatives. You can also participate in or organize special activities like river clean-ups or water sampling. Or, perhaps you may want to familiarize yourself with water issues in your area. Whatever your plans, we hope this day brings enjoyment to you as you reflect upon the amazing services our rivers and streams provide.
For more information on World Water Day, visit