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We are all one in this world thanks to the one commodity which every living thing must rely on for survival: water.

No matter what our beliefs or political systems reflect, this is a commonality for all of us, and water does not discriminate based on our borders. In fact, there are 263 transboundary lakes and river basins which connect 145 different countries and span half the earth. Underneath the earth's surface, 15% of it is encompassed with 274 transboundary aquifers.

There are thirteen basins alone shared between 5 to 8 countries. The Danube itself passes through 18 countries.

In 1992 this unification and celebration of freshwater was proposed as a United Nations program in Rio in 1992. It is based on the United Nation's Agenda 21, which promotes sustainable development. In 1993, the program was unveiled and the first World Water Day was commemorated on March 22, 1993. World Water Day is an annual reminder of the responsibility we all hold to take care of the world's waters.

The United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) leads activities in cooperation with the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and the Food and Agricultural Organization of the UN (FAO).

The theme of Shared Waters, Shared Opportunities, is reflective in all the activities planned to celebrate World Water Day 2009.

UNESCO began activities mid-March, which some continue through and past the actual celebration day. The UNESCO activities are planned for Istanbul, Turkey and are comprised of forums, conferences, roundtable discussions, brainstorming sessions, films and photo exhibitions. These events focus on the state of the water currently and how to protect it in the future.

There are public events and symposiums worldwide planned throughout the month of March leading up to the March 22. These include celebrations in major cities such as Kathmandu, Nepal; Serres, Greece;
Karachi, Pakistan and Uppsala, Sweden. There are special walking events throughout various locations in the U.S., such as in the cities of Bellingham, Washington; Portland, Maine; Doral, Florida
and Los Angeles, California.

Honoring water through music is a common tie through a number of celebrations. In Cleveland, Ohio is the 3WD = Waterband's World Water Day World Wide Web concert for Global Water Issues. On the West Coast of the United States is The Thirsty for Change Benefit Jam in Solana Beach, California.

Children are also taking a part in important celebrations. Students in Tasmania, Australia are rising to the occasion with The Turn On The Tap Schools Challenge 2009.

Film festivals, radiothons, open houses, skit competitions, beach parties and other events round out the calendar of celebrations.

Complete information about World Water Day including the events calendar can be located on the World Water Day 2009 official website: www.unwater.org.

Learn more about this author, Jennifer Dickinson.
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