World Lake Day 2026; August 27th.

FORUM: "Strengthening Global Cooperation for Sustainable Lake Management." World Lake Day 2026. Lakes and reservoirs contain more than 90% of the world's liquid surface freshwater. They are the lifeblood of ecosystems, driving local economies, securing food and drinking water for billions , and regulating local climates. Despite their critical importance, lakes globally face unprecedented threats from pollution, agricultural runoff, climate-induced evaporation, and rapid biodiversity loss. The observance of the World Lake Day serves as an opportunity to reaffirm the importance of lakes, while also providing an international platform for countries and diverse stakeholders to collaborate in advancing their conservation and sustainable use. Recognizing the critical importance and compounding crises faced by lakes, a special event to commemorate World Lake Day is being organized to elevate the global political and technical profile of sustainable lakemanagement. Specifically, the event aims to: • Showcase good practices and lessons learned. • Mobilize support: Highlight Global Wetland Watch as one of the global Earth observation initiatives that provides standardized information on inland water and wetland ecosystems, supporting improved lake monitoring, policy development, and international reporting. • Catalyse Science-to-Policy Action: Convene a multi-stakeholder panel of experts , policymakers , and UN representatives to propose actionable pathways for integratinglake protection into national strategies, including on climate and biodivers ity. • Bridge to the upcoming World Lake Conference: Build momentum toward the WorldLake Conference (WLC21) schedule to take place in June 2027 in Dares Salaam, Tanzania. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #worldlakeday, #lakemanagement, #naturallakes, #artificiallakes, #27August, #GenerationRestoration.

EVENTS: On August 27th 2026 from 10:00 to 11:30 am (TBC) at United Nations Headquarters Conference Room 11 will be held an in-person event to mark the World Lake Day 2026. Read the concept note, the agenda programme and Register to participate!

- Preliminary Programme -

 This programme assumes a 90-minute event. 

10’ Opening session: - Opening remarks -Tentative speakers  Rafael Peralta (Director of NY Office)  Japan - Indonesia.

10’ Technical Showcase: Earth Observation for Lake Monitoring - Demonstration of Global Wetland Watch and how satellite-bas ed monitoring supports lake extent, wetland monitoring, national reporting, and evidence-based management. Tentative speakers - UNEP – GWW (Stuart Crane, remotely) 

30’ MultiStakeholder Panel Discussion: From Science to Policy.

Suggested guiding questions : • How can lake conservation be better integrated into national climate and biodiversity strategies? • What lessons can countries s hare through South-South and triangular cooperation? • What technical and financial support is needed to accelerate action? • How can momentum be sustained toward the 21st World Lake Conference? 

30’ Interactive Discussion / Q&A -Tentative speakers: Audience.

5’ Closing Remarks - Key takeaways - Invitation to the 21st World Lake Conference (WLC21) - Clos ing -Tentative speakers: Tanzania.

LIVESTREAM: Watch Commemorating World Lake Day: Strengthening Global Cooperation for Sustainable Lake Management!

Recognizing the critical importance and compounding crises faced by lakes, a special event to commemorate World Lake Day is being organized to elevate the global political and technical profile of sustainable lake management. Lakes and reservoirs contain more than 90% of the world's liquid surface freshwater. They are the lifeblood of ecosystems, driving local economies, securing food and drinking water for billions, and regulating local climates. Despite their critical importance, lakes globally face unprecedented threats from pollution, agricultural runoff, climate-induced evaporation, and rapid biodiversity loss.

Related Sites and Documents: Draft Concept Note & Website.

UPCOMING EVENTS: The 21st World Lake Conference (WLC21) will be hosted in Tanzania in July/August 2027 by the Water Institute in collaboration with the International Lake Environment Committee (ILEC).

PUBLICATION:  America’s Cleanest and Dirtiest Lakes: 2026 Report on Lake Pollution and Water Quality. Lake has released our 2026 report ranking the cleanest and dirtiest lakes in the United States. Discover why Lake Chelan ranks #1 on the cleanest lakes list, and get acquainted with the factors that influence a lake’s position on the cleanest list and the dirtiest list. Download the Report as PDF

• Lake Chelan is the cleanest lake in America, due to its low mineral levels and low turbidity.
• The Great Salt Lake is the dirtiest lake in the US right now, with by far the heaviest mineral load of any ranked lake (134,500 mg/L Total Dissolved Solids), as well as the lowest dissolved oxygen levels (3.65 mg/L) and the highest ammonia levels of any lake in the top ten dirtiest (0.92 mg/L).
• Over 60 major lakes in America were assessed across eight different categories.
• The Cleanest and Dirtiest Lakes at a Glance

A new report has revealed the cleanest and dirtiest lakes in America, with Lake Chelan ranking as the cleanest, while the Great Salt Lake in Utah ranks as the dirtiest due to its saline levels. The study, conducted by vacation rental platform Lake.com, analyzed all the available chemical data from the National Water Quality Monitoring Council (NWQMC) for 100 of America’s largest lakes, sampled from January 1st, 2021, until July 30th, 2026. The study evaluated eight of the most commonly measured characteristics that can indicate a lake’s cleanliness level:

• Dissolved oxygen
• Ammonia
• Lead
• Phosphorus
• Sulfate
• Total dissolved solids
• Turbidity
• pH levels

A total of 67 lakes reported at least three of these pollution factors and therefore qualified for the study. The findings were put into an index to produce a pollution score out of 10 to determine the safest and most dangerous lakes based on hygiene, pollution and more.

At the other end of the scale, Lake Chelan in Washington state is the cleanest lake in America. Lake Chelan has turbidity of just 2.00 NTU, meaning it’s extremely clear, and one of the lowest TDS levels at 30.25 mg/L. Lake Chelan also experiences low sulfate levels of 3.65 mg/L.

However, Lake Superior, which was the cleanest lake in last year’s report, ranks a close second with the lowest turbidity of any lake (0.54 NTU), low TDS levels (74 mg/L), and high oxygen levels (10.58 mg/L).

The Great Salt Lake in Utah is America’s dirtiest lake. Its water carries an extremely high mineral load, with total dissolved solids (TDS) of 134,500 mg/L, which is much more than any other lake in the study. TDS refers to the total minerals within water, including sulfates, chlorides, calcium, magnesium, potassium, bicarbonates and sodium, and indicates the general quality of water. While not necessarily a direct indicator of pollution itself, the levels highlight how dangerous it could be to ingest any water from the Great Salt Lake due to its extreme chemistry.

The Great Salt Lake is also the most poorly oxygenated lake in the ranking, with dissolved oxygen of just 3.65 mg/L. If this level were to drop below 2, the lake would become hypoxic, meaning fish would suffocate. It also reports the highest ammonia of any lake in the top ten dirtiest ranking at 0.92 mg/L, along with elevated lead at 2.09 µg/L. The Great Salt Lake is not a freshwater lake and is a terminal lake; therefore, there is no outlet for any mineral or chemical buildup.

Lake McConaughy in Nebraska and Lake Winnebago in Wisconsin rank second and third dirtiest, respectively. Lake McConaughy has turbidity levels of 5.50 NTU, while Lake Winnebago, Wisconsin’s largest inland lake, is ranked so low due to its high levels of phosphorus, which are 0.09 mg/L, along with a pH deviation of 1.58.

The fourth dirtiest lake in America is Lake Vermilion in Minnesota. Lake Vermilion is the second least oxygenated lake, behind the Great Salt Lake, with dissolved oxygen of just 3.90 mg/L.

Devils Lake in North Dakota is the fifth dirtiest lake in the country and is likely to be the smelliest of all, as it has the highest levels of sulfate (639 mg/L) due to no natural outlet to dilute sulfates over time. The smell of sulfate is often described as similar to ‘rotten egg’.

Despite ranking as the eighteenth dirtiest lake overall, Lake Moultrie in South Carolina is the most lead-contaminated lake included in the study, with samples detecting lead at 17.2 µg/L. There is no safe level of lead.

Lake Mattamuskeet in North Carolina shows the highest ammonia of any freshwater lake in the top ten, estimated at 0.67 mg/L. Ammonia should not be present at all in clean water, and when levels reach 0.53 mg/L, the water begins to become harmful to fish.

“America’s largest lakes remain, on the whole, clean and pleasant to swim in. Even the lakes at the top of our dirtiest table sit within the range you would expect for large natural bodies of water, which shows that there is good maintenance and care for them.

“However, with that in mind, some monitoring of lakes throughout the country is uneven from one lake to the next, so anyone looking to visit a lake, particularly swimmers, needs to check any signage near their local swimming spot and follow the advice given to them. No lake in the ranking is inherently dangerous, but you could be at risk of a stomach bug.” David Ciccarelli, CEO of Lake.com

Other publications: Research papers of the International Lake Environment committee Foundation (ILEC)

World Lake Day 2025; August 27th.

FORUM: “Lakes: the lifeblood of our planet.” World Lake Day 2025. Lakes serve as a crucial source of fresh water, supporting drinking water supplies, agriculture, and industry. Lakes also play a key role in maintaining biodiversity, offering a habitat for countless species of fish, plants, and wildlife. Beyond their ecological significance, lakes contribute to climate regulation by keeping the planet cool, absorbing the floodwater and storing carbon. Additionally, they provide recreational and economic opportunities, attracting tourism, fishing, and other activities that support local communities. Lakes are affected by a combination of overuse, pollution and climate change. Lake pollution is frequently caused by inflows from fertilizers, contaminants and solid waste being dumped directly, or flushed into lakes via rivers, and this is worsened by global warming – leading, for instance, to more frequent and intense floods. The water levels of lakes are also changing dramatically. Rising temperatures and changes to cloud cover, which are leading to decreasing ice cover, are increasing the rate of water evaporation. Which action can be taken to safeguard these vital freshwater. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #worldlakeday, #lakemanagement, #naturallakes, #artificiallakes, #27August, #GenerationRestoration.

EVENTS: We need to act now. This World Lake Day 2025, let's be aware of the problem lakes are facing and protect them today for a sustaining life tomorrow. The United Nations General Assembly Invites all States Members of the United Nations, members of the specialized agencies and observers of the General Assembly, as well as the organizations of the United Nations system, other international, regional and subregional organizations and other relevant stakeholders, including civil society, the private sector and academia, to observe World Lake Day in an appropriate manner through activities aimed at education and awareness-raising of the importance of lakes and preserving, conserving, restoring and sustainably managing lake and related ecosystems. Join UNEP and partners in the mission to conserve, protect, and restore them to their former glory! Register to participate!

Statement of Inger Andersen; Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) on World Lake Day 2025; August 27th.


When you think of water, you might picture rivers rushing to the sea or waves crashing on a tropical shore. But the quiet giants of our freshwater systems – lakes – hold 90 per cent of the planet’s surface fresh water. They are life-support systems for millions, providing drinking water, irrigation, food and recreation. They shelter biodiversity, regulate climate and buffer communities against floods and droughts. Yet, like many freshwater ecosystems, lakes are often overlooked in global discussions on water solutions.

From the Great Lakes of Africa to the mountain reservoirs of Asia, lakes sustain billions of lives. They store water, moderate temperature, support fisheries and underpin agriculture. They are also biodiversity havens for countless species.

But lake ecosystems are fragile. Today, they are being put under increasing pressure from climate change, pollution and unsustainable land use. Evaporation rates are rising as global temperatures climb. Nutrient runoff from agriculture fuels algae blooms, turning once-clear waters into oxygen-starved dead zones. Water abstraction for farms and cities shrinks lakes, while invasive species disrupt ecological balance.

A recent analysis by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) revealed a stark figure. Surface water bodies, such as lakes, are shrinking or being lost entirely in 364 basins worldwide. The degradation of lakes is not just an environmental threat; it also affects communities that rely on them for survival.

Indonesia is leading the fight to protect lakes. Since championing the first-ever United Nations Environment Assembly resolution on Sustainable Lake Management in 2022, the country has helped place lakes at the centre of global water discussions, including during the United Nations 2023 Water Conference and the tenth World Water Forum, in which lakes featured prominently in the Ministerial Declaration.

With the recent adoption of the United Nations System-wide Strategy on Water and Sanitation, the stage is set for even greater cooperative action. But why this urgency? Because lakes are under siege.

To understand the fate of lakes, we need to zoom out to the global hydrological cycle – the invisible thread linking glaciers, rivers, wetlands, aquifers and seas. Glaciers, often called “water towers of the world”, feed many of the planet’s lakes and rivers. Nearly 1.9 billion people depend on these frozen reserves for drinking water, irrigation and hydropower.

But climate change is melting glaciers at unprecedented rates. Recognizing this, 2025 marks the United Nations International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation. The year 2024 was the warmest year on record, and in 2023 alone, glaciers lost more than 600 gigatons of ice – the greatest loss in five decades. As they retreat, a new phenomenon is reshaping mountain landscapes: the explosive growth of glacial lakes. These lakes can be both lifelines and risks. They store meltwater, acting as buffers during drought. But they also pose catastrophic risks through glacial lake outburst floods, which can devastate entire valleys.

Despite their importance, lakes remain among the least monitored water bodies on Earth. Unlike rivers, which often have established gauging stations, lakes are poorly studied, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

UNEP is working to change this. Through tools and initiatives such as the Freshwater Ecosystems Explorer, the UNEP lakes portal, the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration and integrated water resources management frameworks, efforts are underway to close data gaps and improve policies, plans and approaches. But we need to scale up, and scale up fast.

UNEP launched a landmark, transboundary initiative in the Lake Tanganyika Basin that works across Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania and Zambia to protect biodiversity, restore critical wetlands and degraded landscapes, support sustainable fisheries management and enhance water security. It will rehabilitate 1,700 hectares of ecosystems and foster catchment-wide governance through community engagement and basin-level monitoring, all underpinned by the commitment of UNEP to integrated water resource management.

Lakes may seem remote, but their health determines our own. They are essential parts of the global hydrological cycle – a topic that is on the table for discussion at the seventh session of the United Nations Environment Assembly, to be held in December 2025. Like other freshwater ecosystems, lakes are important buffers against drought, engines of local economies and cradles of biodiversity. They are also sentinels, warning us of the accelerating impacts of the climate crisis.

Protecting freshwater ecosystems like lakes is not optional. It is central to biodiversity, water, energy and food security, and offers climate resilience.

Member States, guided by the leadership of Indonesia, must adopt an integrated water resources management approach to enhance lake protection and restoration. Greater investments in infrastructure, data and innovative solutions are crucial to meet the targets of Sustainable Development Goal 6 – clean water and sanitation for all – and ensure long-term sustainability for both human and ecosystem needs.

Now, the challenge is global: to safeguard these blue jewels. Not just for their beauty, but for the billions who depend on them. Because when lakes thrive, life flows everywhere.

Inger Andersen; Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

PUBLICATION: Dive into the Healthy and Productive Lakes Portal. Learn about the diversity of lake ecosystems, explore their vital role in human development and planetary health, uncover the threats they face, and access tools and resources.

World Rivers Day, September 29

Join the Forum : 29 September is World Rivers Day.
Here are just some of the activities around the world planned for World Rivers Day, 2013.

A small sampling of events now planned for World Rivers Day 2013. Many more important events are coming up such as the 16th International River Symposium in Brisbane, Australia in the days leading up to World Rivers Day. This is being coordinated by the International River Foundation. Many additional events will be listed in future updates in the weeks ahead... please let us know of your plans.

We encourage you to take part in an event in your area (or plan your own), and we wish all the organizers around the world much luck in the success of their ambitious celebrations!




Iraq - Nature Iraq Foundation, together with Nature Iraq and Waterkeepers Iraq, plans to recreate a journey down the Tigris River, starting in southeastern Turkey and traveling through Iraq, using traditional boats and vessels in order to document and bring awareness to the myriad threats facing not only the timeless waters of the Tigris but also the unique cultural heritage of Mesopotamia. The event will start on September 15 and conclude around World Rivers Day. The project strives to connect conservation issues with daily life and enable people to take action. Contact - info@ni-foundation.org or Pete Nichols at Waterkeeper Alliance (212-747-0622).

Australia - World Rivers Day Events throughout Australia
Numerous World Rivers Day events are being planned in river catchments across Australia. In keeping with the original concept, International River Foundation is promoting World Rivers Day throughout its global network, and for the third year in a row, is developing an Australian focused campaign. They are also coordinating a major World Rivers Day photo contest. Email patricia@riverfoundation.org.au to learn more about how the IRF can help with World Rivers Day events for all regions of Australia.

Carinthia, Austria - Children’s River Event in Ferlach Parish
On September 27th, 72 children of the elementary school in Ferlach will spend the day learning and experiencing various interesting things about water in general and rivers in specific. There will be up to eight stations with different core water themes: power, painting, plants, quiz, circulation, taste, experiments and rescue. There will also be a river cleaning contest, where the children who find the most pieces of garbage can win prizes and a little money for their grade in school. The event will take place between 8:30 am and 1 pm. For more information, please contact Katharina Rohner,
katharina.rohner@arco.at

New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada - RiverFest - a celebration of BC & World Rivers Day
Join us Friday, September 27 (4 to 9) and Saturday, September 28 (11 to 6). Inspired by the river, RiverFest will be presented free to the public and will consist of art exhibits, interactive activities from conservation organizations and community groups that build upon the river and environmental themes. Live music and entertainment will complete the weekend offerings for an exciting, family-friendly festival atmosphere. For more information, visit our website at: http://www.fraserriverdiscovery.org/

Belize - World Rivers Day event in Belize
A World Rivers Day event will be coordinated in Belize in celebration of the country’s great rivers. Contact Kenrick Theus for details – kenricktheus@consultant.com

Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada - World Rivers Day Gala Event at Burnaby Village Museum and Surrounding Site. Burnaby will celebrate World Rivers Day in a major way with a gala event at the Burnaby Village Museum, which is bisected by the beautiful Deer Lake Brook. There will be a large array of attractions for young and old – and, along with the many attractions and interpretive displays already on site, there will be live birds of prey, a children’s fishing pond, face painting, music, entertainment of various sorts, a special “living with coyotes” presentation, children’s activities, streamside habitat restoration demonstrations amongst many other fun things to do. Come enjoy a stroll through Burnaby’s marvellous past, a community that has long focused on the many waterways within its midst; its lakes, streams and the great Fraser River that it borders. Open from 11 to 4:30. Contact – Lynda Maeve at lyndamaeve.orr@burnaby.ca

Washington, DC, United States - Paddle for the Potomac
Waterkeeper Alliance SPLASH Paddle for the Potomac to benefit Potomac Riverkeeper. As part of the 2nd Annual Waterkeeper Alliance Splash Series, join us at Key Bridge Boathouse for an afternoon of on the water fun! The event will revolve around paddling in all of its forms, from canoeing, to kayaking, to stand-up paddleboarding. Come down for an informal paddling opportunity, to watch skill demonstrations, or take part in an organized activity led by a local outfitter or certified instructor. We will have food, music, and other on the land activities to enjoy also! Saturday, September 21st, 1 pm to 5 pm. Visit website for more information – www.potomacriverkeeper.org

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada- Formal Opening and Celebration of the Restoration of Hastings Creek.
Vancouver will be having a major World Rivers Day event on Sept 30th at Vancouver’s Creekway Park from 10:30 to 12:30 celebrating the day-lighting and restoration of Hastings Creek, which was previously culverted and paved over more than 80 years. Stage one of this state-of-the-art stream restoration effort will be completed by late September and WRD Chair Mark Angelo, along with representatives from the Vancouver Park Board and Vancouver City Council will participate in the formal opening. Contact Michelle Larigakis, michelle.larigakis@vancouver.ca

Ohio, USA– The fabulous Maumee Bay River Festival takes place on World Rivers Day from 12 noon to 7 PM in downtown Toledo. The event includes great entertainment, river boat rides, riverside walks, educational activities and great fun for all ages. Contact – Sandy Bihn, Lake Erie Waterkeeper, Sandylakeerie@aol.com

Penampang Sabah, Malaysia - Bamboo Rafting Festival
Community-Led Environmental Awareness for our River (CLEAR), a community based organisation, will be organising a BAMBOO RAFTING FESTIVAL to celebrate the World Rivers day in Penampang Sabah, Malaysia. Contact Winnie Jimis for more information: winjimis@yahoo.com.

Langley, British Columbia, Canada - BC Rivers Day Community Festival
Join the Langley Environmental Partners Society and the Township of Langley for the annual celebration of rivers on September 29th, 11 am to 2 pm! This year’s free family event at William’s Park, Langley, BC (238 St. south of 68 Ave.) offers interactive displays and activity booths. More information at: www.leps.bc.ca or 604.532.3511

Cradock, South Africa - Fish River Marathon
As river canoeists and enthusiasts who look for every opportunity to enjoy rivers while also being involved in cleaning/monitoring for pollution, etc., we celebrate these days. Our major annual River Racing event that is extremely popular in South Africa takes place in the Eastern Cape area of Cradock on Friday 27 and Saturday 28 September. Contact Jennie Dallas, jennied@highbury.co.za, for more information.

US and International waterkeepers – The Waterkeeper Alliance is approaching all member organizations both nationally and internationally about their possible participation in World Rivers Day. Details on these events will be included in an upcoming September update. Contact – Sharon Khan at skhan@waterkeeper.org

Kilby to Mission, British Columbia, Canada - World Rivers Day Paddle on the Fraser River
In celebration of World Rivers Day, paddle down the Fraser River with Hope Mountain Centre and the company of professional guides and explore the most productive salmon habitat found anywhere in the world. A giant flotilla of canoes, kayaks, and paddle rafts will travel 20 kilometres from Kilby to Mission. Along the way, you’ll visit the gravel bars, side channels, islands, and riparian forests that make this part of the Fraser so important to fish and wildlife. For more information visit us at www.hopemountain.org.

Rivers across Europe - Uniworld River Tours in Europe
On the Rhine, the Danube, the Rhone, the Seine, and the Douro and other great rivers across Europe, there will be Rivers Day awareness events unfolding led by the Uniworld Cruise Line. Uniworld continues to play a leadership role in the promotion of World Rivers Day and will be making this a special day with onboard events highlighting our ongoing project, “sustainable river cruising” to preserve a most precious resource: water and the rivers. Contact Sonja Tischer, Director Program Services, GRC Global River Cruises GmbH, Tel: +41-61-638-96-86 / efax +41-61-638-96-97 / cell +49-15-222-6-999 02, email: stischer@uniworld.com / uniworld.com

New Jersey, USA – On the Woodbridge River, the New Jersey Baykeepers are planning a community day that involves kayaking and clean ups on Sat. Sept. 28. For more information, contact – Deborah A. Mans, NJ Baykeeper & Executive Director - debbie@nynjbaykeeper.org

Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada - 5th Annual Kamloops World Rivers Day Shoreline Cleanup
World Rivers Day is a day to celebrate our rivers by increasing awareness of water related issues and promoting core values associated with sustainability, conservation and river stewardship. This event will help bring a greater awareness to the rivers that we use for drinking water, industry, agriculture, residential uses and recreation. As well, it will increase awareness with historical and cultural issues. Meet at Riverside Park, Sunday, September 29th, Noon to 5 PM. More information: www.kamloops.ca/worldriversday

Abuja, Nigeria - Celebration of World Rivers Day in Nigeria
The Foundation for Conservation of Nigerian Rivers will be formally inaugurated to coincide with this year’s celebration of World Rivers Day. The new foundation wants to seize the opportunity to create awareness within Nigeria of the need to protect and restore the country’s rivers. Contact Analiefo A. Nzegwu for more information – anzegwu@yahoo.com

Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada - Paddle Event at the Yellowknife River
Paddlers for Parts will once again host a one day event at the Yellowknife river bridge, Yellowknife NT. Being fairly cool here by that time we usually have a few boats to paddle and big fire with goodies to eat at the end. Contact Greg Loftus at cominco@theedge.ca for more information.

Port Harcourt, Nigeria - Celebrating 2013 World Rivers Day in Nigeria
Under the River Ethiope Trust Foundation, founded in 1992 to protect River Ethiope, Dafe Irikefe will organise a River Conservation Essay Competition among secondary schools along River Ethiope to raise awareness among youth. In Abuja, Nigeria Dafe will also be inaugurating a new organization known as Foundation for Conservation of Nigerian Rivers to mark World Rivers Day. An inaugural lecture titled Nigerian Transformation Agenda: Where is the Place of Rivers will be delivered during the occasion and a letter advocating for a law to be enacted to protect rivers in Nigeria will delivered to Nigerian parliament. Dafe Irikefe, CEO and Founder of the River Ethiope Foundation is communicating with key stakeholders in Nigeria seeking their partnership and support for the upcoming World Rivers Day. Email: retfon@yahoo.com

Maple Ridge, British Columbia, Canada - 20th Annual Ridge Meadows Rivers Day
Free, family-friendly event on September 29th, 11 am to 3 pm. We are going to have a great line up of entertainment, exciting environmental exhibits, BBQ lunch, carnival games, face-painting, storytelling and trout-fishing pond! Musical entertainment by Two Tall Women, Tusket, and Gord & Trish.
Location: Allco Fish Hatchery/Allco Park, 24959 Alouette Road, Maple Ridge
For more information, please go to: www.alouetteriver.org or contact (604) 467 6401

Victoria, British Columbia, Canada - Tod Creek Watershed Rivers Day Celebration
Educational, family-oriented activities with a focus on the transformation of Tod Creek into a functioning habitat clear of invasive plants and animals. Time: 1 pm – 3 pm. Snacks and drinks provided. Contact Jillian Stewart for more information – officeadmin@cab-bc.org

Bangladesh and South Asia. – The Riverine People (www.riverinepeople.net) will be participating in World Rivers Day for the 4th consecutive year and is also working with others across South Asia to do the same. Most importantly along with some of the groups and organization we are trying to build a consensus to observe the day in a common theme for South Asia; that is Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Nepal. The Riverine People will also be publishing an edition of the quarterly Bangla journal dedicated to river issue, entitled 'Nadee'. World Rivers Day Chair Mark Angelo was interviewed for this issue. Contact – skrokon@gmail.com

Iran – The Iran Mountain Watch Group will participate in World Rivers Day for the first time and will be working to draw the attention of other NGO's to this event. Contact is Abbas Mohammadi, Mountain Watch Group – am.kouh@gmail.com

England – The organization, Thames21, will be organizing the “Cleaner Thames Challenge” from Sep 19 – 22 in the run-up to World Rivers Day. This event will focus on the on-going effort to clean up one the world’s iconic rivers. Contact – Emily.braham@thames21.org.uk

Many other events are in the planning stages from ranging from events in India focusing on the Yamuna and Ganges (contact - Gopi Duttaakash) to events in Peru focusing on that country’s great rovers and the threats confronting them (contact Hector Flores - liderazgo_indigena@yahoo.es . These and other events will be profiled in future updates.


° To Learn more about these incredible rivers… check out this link to an article from National Geographic

° To see beautiful photos of these protected rivers… check out this link to Michael Melford’s Photos