Rivers are a crucial and valuable element of the natural environment. The diversity of rivers and the life that thrives in them is fundamental to the functioning of nature. Rivers are not only wildlife; they also represent their connections with humans. The development of civilisation depends on rivers. Settlement, agriculture, transportation, and more generally speaking, the economy, have always been connected to rivers.
However, the exploitation of flowing water resources that has been going on for centuries poses a significant threat to rivers.
The purpose of the World Rivers Day:
- To underline the crucial role of rivers in the ecosystem and economy.
- To draw attention to threats such as climate change, environmental degradation and human pressure.
- To encourage active river protection efforts, such as cleaning river banks, supporting restoration initiatives and water education.
All of these elements are crucial. Water education is particularly important. How can we implement it? How can we raise public awareness? The simplest way is by showcasing their beauty, preferably on a local scale. The nature associated with rivers and their surroundings is right there. We just need to stop and explore it.
Source and photos: Dr Grzegorz Tończyk (Department of Invertebrate Zoology and Hydrobiology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection)
Edit: Mateusz Kowalski (Promotion Centre, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz)
