by Cheryl Jones

Created on: March 13, 2009   Last Updated: April 24, 2012

Despite countless large and small conflicts raging across the globe, one element remains largely uncontested: trans-boundary water. World Water Day 2009, held on March 22, will celebrate the significance of peaceful international sharing of waterways.

"Shared Water, Shared Opportunities" is the theme of World Water Day 2009, with an emphasis on trans-boundary waters. Trans-boundary waters are any body of water lake, river, sea, or underground aquifer that crosses one or more borders. There are 263 trans-boundary lakes and rivers in the world, crossing 145 countries.

World Water Day was begun in 1993 to reiterate the importance of freshwater and to support resource management. The World Water Day initiative is led by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, United Nations Economics Commission for Europe, and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

With 40% of the world's population depending on trans-boundary waters, international cooperation is vital. World Water Day seeks to make the most of that cooperation to build mutual respect and trust among nations, leading to peace, security, and sustainable economic growth.

The potential for worldwide cooperation related to trans-boundary waters is vast. Three quarters of all countries have trans-boundary waters within their borders, and 33 countries have more than 95% of their territory within international water basins.

The Danube River has the distinction of touching on the most countries at 18. Five rivers - the Congo, Niger, Rhine, Nile, and Zambezi - flow through 9 to 11 countries. Most trans-boundary waters pass through 2 countries.

Surprisingly few conflicts involve trans-boundary waterways. Although nearly half of the surface of the Earth is covered in trans-boundary water and more than 200 trans-boundary water agreements have been negotiated in the past 6 decades, only 37 violent episodes have been recorded.

The earliest international trans-boundary treaties date back to 2500 BC, where they were used to resolve a conflict involving the Tigris River. Since then, more than 3,600 treaties have been negotiated, mostly addressing navigation.

To celebrate the relatively conflict-free sharing of trans-boundary water, World Water Day events are planned across the globe throughout the month of March. Events range from fundraisers and fun runs and walks to symposia and conferences.

Events using the arts to promote World Water Day include a musical celebration in New York City and a Thirsty for Change Benefit Jam in California. "Shared Water, Shared Opportunities" will be the theme for a skit competition in Pakistan as well as a photography exhibit in Serbia. "Save the Water Drink Beer: A Cabaret," a fundraiser and public awareness campaign, can be enjoyed in Calgary, Canada.

A variety of physical activities are planned around the world. Walk and runs are being organized in cities worldwide, and a tennis tournament will be held in Greece.

In addition to a conference on tran-sboundary waters, other conference and symposia topics include water security, improving access to safe water, site selection of rainwater harvesting, new technologies in water management, water conservation, water and climate change, challenges to groundwater remediation.

Other events offer a unique perspective on water management. For example, the National Toilet Seat Petition is calling on the Canadian Parliament to make water and sanitation a priority for foreign aid, and a family in Arizona will live without house water for a week.

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