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World Water Day theme hits close to home

In any other year, World Water Day might be an afterthought. But in this economic downturn, World Water Day, which will be observed March 22, has greater importance. The theme is "Transnational Boundaries: Sharing Water, Sharing Opportunities." According to the United Nations Web site, 263 lakes and water basins cover 145 countries and almost half of the Earth's surface. Two United Nations organizations, the Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and the Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) are the lead sponsors this year.

The theme of World Water Day attempts to accomplish three things. First, the UN wants to raise awareness of the continuing global demand for our water. The concern is that there is not enough water to support growing populations. Second, as a result of global demand, the fear is that countries will fight each other for control of our water. The UN says that in the past six decades, 200 water agreements have been signed and there have only been 37 instances where countries have fought. Finally, the UN says all nations have a responsibility to work together and ensure everyone has access to our water resources.

16 nations will be observing World Water Day, including India, China, the U.S. and South Africa. Each nation have their own events planned, but not all on the same day. Barbados, for example, will hold a series of presentations for students interested in hydrology and meteorology at the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH) from 10 am to 4 pm on March 23rd. China will be holding a two-event, Wastewater Treatment 2009, June 11th and 12th in Beijing. Over 200 members from the wastewater treatment industry will discuss the impact of the country's 4 billion yuan stimulus package on their economy and how the wastewater treatment industry will help China ride out this global recession. Canada will hold World Water Day celebrations in three areas: Fort McMurray (March 17th), Calgary (March 19th) and Windsor (March 20th). Another event Canada is having is a National Toilet Seat Petition in Ottawa March 22nd. The goal is to fill Parliament Hall with signed toilet seats and urge the government to make water and sanitation a priority. The World Water Day Web site says that almost a billion people don't have access to fresh water and 2.5 billion people don't have access to a toilet.

Other countries participating in World Water Day include the United Kingdom, which is holding a half-marathon on March 22nd. All proceeds from the race go to AMREF UK to benefit needy families in Africa. The U.S. is holding several events, including one in New York March 20th where local artists paint a portrait showing how vital water is to their existence.

World Water Day has been observed every year, by U.N. decree, since 1992.

For more information on World Water Day and its activities, please visit the following Web sites:

http://www.unwater.org/worldwa terday/flashindex.html

http://www.worldwaterday.org/

http://watercan.com/whatyoucan do/worldwaterday.htm

Learn more about this author, James Zipadelli.
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