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. To give you an idea of what's going on around the world, I'll highlight a few here.
A returning participant, The Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum (PFF), is working hard again for the restoration of the Indus River by demanding decommission of its existing dams. These dams have depleted the Indus Delta, affecting two hundred thousand hectares of fertile farm lands. As such, indigenous communities have been deprived of drinking water facilities and basic food supplies. Chairperson of PFF, Mr. Mohammad Ali Shah, has raised these issues in various regional, national, and international forums. PFF has organized programs, meetings, demonstrations, sit-ins, and designed a new water paradigm philosophy on behalf of The Day of Action for Rivers.
Based in the Hunter Valley of Australia, the No Tillegra Dam Group have planned a meaningful, symbolic action. They have arranged a "Walk for the Williams River," where participants will walk the length of the river from the top of the proposed Tillegra Dam site to Nobby's Head at Newcastle. During the walk they will be taking a vessel of water from their starting point on the William's River to its mouth at Nobby's Head Beach, and will pour the water into the ocean showing the direct connectivity between rivers and oceans.
In Panama, veteran defenders of rivers and rights with the Movimiento Campesino en Defensa del Rio Cobre have devised plans as well. As pictured above, similar activities including a human chain and several meetings have been organized. These supporters also sent a request to International Rivers for promotional materials such as stickers, brochures, and posters, which were mailed to them today. Participants in Namibia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and India have all asked for Day of Action materials, and should be receiving them soon.
For more information about these actions or for a full list of planned actions by region please check out our actions by region.