International Day of Action

Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum

It's time to gear up as there are only four days until the International Day of Action for Rivers! As of today, we estimate that twenty-two countries are participating worldwide, with approximately 108 actions either currently taking place, planned for this Sunday, or scheduled during the rest of the month in solidarity with the March 14th. It's already apparent that the day will be highly successful, going far beyond the goal of creating awareness of dam affected people and threatened rivers around the world. As we're still hearing about new actions everyday it seems that we will easily surpass last year's participation (of 110 actions in 26 countries).

With March 14th now a little over two weeks away, it's time we check in to see how the Day of Action for Rivers is advancing and progressing. Twenty-three actions in fourteen countries  have been organized so far, and everyday more information comes in about new planned actions.

Greetings and Salutations! My name is Martina Plaza, and I am the new Day of Action for Rivers Intern here at International Rivers. I just want to give everybody an idea of who I am, how I got here, and what I will be working on in the coming months.

I am a junior English major and intended Environmental Studies minor at UC Berkeley. I have always been vastly inspired by nature, and was taught much about conservation while growing up. My parents never took me to Disney Land, but instead took me camping and hiking. I’m working to combine this love and respect for the environment with writing. Known nature writers such as Aldo Leopold, David Brower, and Terry Tempest Williams have inspired me to pursue this field. As you can tell, I enjoy writing very much, and look forward to improving my skills through this blogging site and writing for World Rivers Review.

Rally in front of the presidential palace in Chile

With numerous events around the world and new participants in countries such as Iran and Jordan, this year's International Day of Action for Rivers has seen the most actions ever!

Public gathering in Pakistan

This past weekend has been packed with actions around the world to commemorate the International Day of Action for Rivers. Numerous groups and organizations have reported back with success stories of their exciting events.

Four Bolivian activists, representatives of farmers and womens' organizations in the Pando border region, were arrested today by Federal Police at a noontime demonstraton in Porto Velho, Rondônia against the Madeira River dams. They are being threatened with deportation.

As the International Day of Action for Rivers approaches, more groups from around the world are joining our movement in support of rivers and have planned actions. Some of these organizations are from countries that are first time participants.

 

 

I am pleased to announce that we have new participants joining our movement this year! Organizations from countries that have never taken part in the International Day of Action for Rivers will be lending their support and hosting events.

 

Turkish Officials Touring Dam Project

Water Tribunal in Turkey

The construction of big dams, pollution, privatization of water, etc. has caused water to be the object of national, international and local conflicts. If current policies continue and solutions are not found, it is likely that water-related conflicts will only increase.

Pakistan, Taxila - river art competition

The International Day of Action for Rivers is less than three weeks away! We are anticipating a variety of exciting events scheduled to take place this March. So far, we have heard of around 20 actions in 13 different countries, and are being informed of new events every day.