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Writer's pictureJess Duckenfield

Celebrate World Rivers Day 2024

The first World Rivers Day was held in 2005 by agencies of the United Nations. This year, World Rivers Day 2024 will be held on Sunday 22nd September.


World Rivers Day is a day of celebration held on the fourth Sunday of September to recognise the vital role rivers play in sustaining ecosystems, communities, and biodiversity. This global event brings together millions of people around the world to highlight the importance of rivers and promotes active participation to ensure waterways are protected worldwide.


A river scene on a cloudy day with cows and ducks on the bank and a boat in the water
The River Stour forms the county boundary between Suffolk and Essex
Why Rivers Matter to Essex and Suffolk

In Essex and Suffolk, our rivers provide not just scenic beauty but also essential resources like drinking water, habitats for wildlife, and recreational opportunities. But like many rivers globally, our local waterways face challenges from pollution, habitat destruction, climate change, and over-abstraction. Rivers are not just natural features; they are dynamic ecosystems that require careful management and protection to ensure their health for future generations.


How You Can Get Involved

  • You can help our waterways by taking part in a riverside litter pick or beach clean. Find local RiverCare & BeachCare events or organise your own!

 

  • Check out our Essex RiverWatch citizen science project and sign up to help us collect water quality data across Essex and the River Stour catchment in Suffolk.

 

  • Make Water-Friendly Choices: reducing water use at home, using eco-friendly products, and minimizing pollution can all contribute to healthier rivers.


3 photos showing litter picking, water quality monitoring and saving water

Why Your Support Matters

At the Essex and Suffolk Rivers Trust, our mission is to protect and restore our rivers, ensuring they can continue to support biodiversity and provide for the needs of local communities. World Rivers Day is a powerful reminder that these efforts require collective action. Whether you're a lifelong environmentalist or just beginning to explore the importance of river ecosystems, your contribution makes a difference.


This year, let’s take time to appreciate the rivers around us, celebrate the biodiversity they nurture, and renew our commitment to their protection. Every small step counts toward a healthier future for our rivers and the communities that rely on them.


As a charity we rely on grants and donations to fund our projects. If you would like to help fund the work that we do at the Essex and Suffolk Rivers Trust, please consider making a donation.

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