September 25th has been designated as World Rivers Day, with the aim of informing and raising public awareness of these great, but unfortunately neglected and fragmented ecosystems of our planet. Some rightly call them life-givers, others the arteries of the earth, and some life-lines. Rivers ensure the balance of other ecosystems as well, as they are a source of life and host numerous species of plants and animals, as well as humans. After all, all life starts from water! 

Rivers face a variety of threats to their sustainability:

Pollution: Rivers are exposed to pollution from industrial waste, agricultural pesticides and waste emitted from urban areas. Pollution can have devastating effects on the health of the river and its ecosystems.

Ecosystem Degradation: Alteration of river flow due to human interventions, such as channelization and stream regulation, can have negative effects on river-dependent ecosystems.

Loss of Biodiversity: Destruction of the natural environment around rivers can lead to the reduction of biodiversity and the extinction of species that depend on these ecosystems.

The protection of rivers is essential to preserve the environment and ensure their sustainability. There are many ways to protect rivers:

Cleaning and Recycling: Minimizing pollution entering rivers is critical. This can be achieved through the development of best waste collection and management practices, as well as through the promotion of recycling.

Maintaining Hydrological Balance: Maintaining the natural flow of the river is important for maintaining the ecosystem that depends on it. This can be achieved by maintaining the hydrological functions of the river and avoiding hydrological projects that can alter its natural environment.

Protection of Wetlands: Wetlands associated with rivers are important for wildlife diversity and biodiversity conservation. Protecting and restoring these ecosystems is essential to the preservation of the river.

Strengthen Education and Awareness: Educating the public about the importance of rivers and ways to protect them can lead to greater awareness and action to conserve them.

In addition, encouraging the sustainable use of rivers for human needs such as drinking water supply and agriculture is vital.

Cooperation between government agencies, non-governmental organizations and communities is essential to effectively protect rivers and help them maintain their health and sustainability for generations to come.