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).
One of the most fascinating actions we've been informed of will be taking place in Khulna, Bangledesh where the Initiative for Right Review (IRV) will hold a women's assembly near the Maiur River, which is a vital resource for the inhabitants there. As a symbolic gesture, the women will carry empty water pitchers that they will then float in the river to protest the ever increasing pollution of the water. IRV is collaborating with the Bangladesh Southwest Water Youth Forum and the Committee for Conservation of Coastal Environments to make this event successful.
As a reminder to anyone who's interested in participating Sunday, but still has yet to decide how they can contribute, creating a Wild River Dance Video is a great way to show International River's that you care! Pragati Chakma, a student at Kathmandu Univeristy, is in the process of creating a video herself. Because of her concern for the indigenous people on the Karnaphuli River in Bangladesh, where she is originally from, she has decided to show her support by participating in this unique video contest. To learn more about how to make a Wild River Dance Video make sure to view our Wild River Dance page.
Here at International Rivers we've planned our very own action scheduled for March 19th, Friday. Beginning promptly at 7pm, we will be screening the film "Amazonia: Voices from the Rainforest" by Glenn Switkes and Monti Aguirre. This will be followed by a panel discussion on efforts to protect the Amazon River and the forest it sustains. Panelists include Aviva Imhof, Campaign Director at International Rivers, Leila Salazar-Lopez, Campaign Director and Board Member of the Rainforest Action Network, and Monti Aguirre, Latin America Campaigner at International Rivers. Afterwards there will be refreshments, a live musical performance, and great conversation! To find out more about our event or to purchase tickets please visit the event page.
Clearly this year's International Day of Action for Rivers is on the way to being a huge success. Under the banner "Our Rivers, Our Rights" voices around the world defending people, water, and life will be heard this Sunday.