March 14

International Day of Action For Rivers

Join us for International Day of Action For Rivers and help protect our waterways, conserve biodiversity, and ensure sustainable use of natural resources!

Yearly Date
March 14
Holiday Calendar
Last updated February 7, 2026 by the Holiday Calendar Team
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Introduction

March 14 is International Day of Action for Rivers, a special day dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of protecting our rivers and water resources! This day was first established in 2005 by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to recognize the vital role that rivers play in our lives. This is a great opportunity to join together in solidarity to protect our rivers from pollution, overuse, and other environmental threats. Let's take action to ensure that our rivers remain healthy and clean for generations to come!

International Day of Action For Rivers Timeline

2005
UNESCO's Establishment
UNESCO establishes the International Day of Action for Rivers, highlighting the importance of protecting our rivers.
2007
Global Participation
The campaign experienced widespread global outreach touching more than 25 countries, making it a truly international event.
2010
Online Campaigns Start
International Day of Action for Rivers started leveraging online platforms for advocating river conservation efforts worldwide.
2014
First Photographic Contest
The first ever photo contest is conducted to encourage participants to visually capture the state of rivers around them.
2018
Partnership Expansion
Several globally recognized brands and NGOs collaborated with the International Day of Action for Rivers, strengthening its impact.

How to Celebrate International Day of Action For Rivers

1

Organize a river clean-up

Gather a group of friends, family, or co-workers and organize a river clean-up. Bring trash bags, gloves and motivation to make a difference.

2

Plant trees at the riverbank

Planting trees near rivers can provide shade and reduce water temperature which is beneficial for wildlife living in the water. It can also help reduce soil erosion.

3

Create a river mural

Bring together a group of people to paint a mural that celebrates rivers. The mural could include images of wildlife, fish and plants that inhabit the river.

4

Attend a river festival

Many communities hold annual festivals to celebrate rivers. Attending one of these festivals is a great way to show your support and appreciation for rivers.

5

Donate to a local river conservation organization

Find a local organization that is working to protect and conserve rivers, and make a donation to show your support.

Why International Day of Action For Rivers is Important

A

Rivers are essential for life

Rivers play an essential role in providing clean and safe drinking water, irrigation for food production, and a habitat for many species of animals and plants. A healthy river system is necessary for the well-being of our planet and the people who inhabit it.

B

Rivers often face pollution

Unfortunately, rivers around the world often face threats from human activities such as industrial dumping, agricultural runoff, and deforestation. These activities can cause serious deterioration in water quality, endangering both humans and animals dependent on healthy rivers.

C

International Day of Action for Rivers offers hope

The International Day of Action for Rivers provides a platform to draw attention to polluted rivers, inadequate water management policies, and unsustainable practices that threaten global rivers. It's an opportunity to come together with members of the community and raise awareness of this important issue - and provide hope for a healthier future!

Holiday Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Mar 14
Tuesday
2024
Mar 14
Thursday
2025
Mar 14
Friday
2026
Mar 14
Saturday
2027
Mar 14
Sunday