September 6, 2005 Source: British Columbia Institute of Technology:
http://www.bcit.ca/news/releases/newsrelease090605097.shtml The First World Rivers Day Set for September 25th, 2005 - A BC Tradition grows into a Global Event The First World Rivers Day Set for September 25th, 2005
A BC Tradition grows into a Global Event September 06, 2005
BURNABY, BC - World Rivers Day (WRD) is fast approaching, mobilizing a major global response to the urgent need for improved management and conservation of river ecosystems. WRD is modelled after the acclaimed success of BC Rivers Day and will coincide with this long-standing provincial initiative, on September 25, 2005, while celebrating the many values of our international waterways. Non-government organizations around the world are also supporting WRD, which has been endorsed by the United Nations University and the International Network on Water, Environment and Health - both agencies of the UN. WRD also compliments the water-related efforts of the United Nations, which recently launched a 10-year initiative to raise awareness of water issues around the world. The UN also wants to halve, by 2015, the number of people who are unable to reach or afford safe drinking water. Planned WRD events include river cleanups, fish enhancement projects, international workshops, educational programs, and riverside festivals. "It's pretty exciting to see an event that started 25-years ago in BC evolve into such positive efforts to better care for our rivers around the world." says Mark Angelo, BC and World Rivers Day founder and Head of BCIT's Fish, Wildlife, Recreation Department. While promoting the core principles associated with sustainability, conservation, and stewardship activities, World Rivers Day is fostering solidarity among international organizations that are now focusing on water-related issues threatening our waterways. Millions of people worldwide are expected to participate as thousands of organizations have committed to contributing to World Rivers Day's success. "Rivers are the arteries of our planet," says Angelo. "And WRD provides opportunities for people to get out and enjoy their waterways as wells as appreciate the extent to which clean flowing water contributes to the quality of life in our communities." Last year, Angelo was recognized by the UN as the inaugural recipient of the International Year of Fresh Water Stewardship Award for his river conservation efforts at home and abroad. Mark is also an Order of Canada recipient. Angelo was joined at the formal announcement of the WRD initiative earlier this summer by the Honorable Barry Penner, BC Minister of Environment, and Bob Sanford, Chair, UN Water for Life/Canada. Additional information on WRD can be found at www.riversday.bcit.ca/ and by mid-September, a comprehensive list of Rivers Day events in BC will be added to the Outdoor Recreation Council website at www.orcbc.ca/ Media can contact: Mark Angelo, (604) 432-8270 or BCIT Media Relations (604) 432-8773
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