Water covers more than two-thirds of the Earth’s surface area and is essential to our survival. Each year in March we celebrate World Water Day (WWD) to draw attention to this vital resource and, in particular, freshwater–as opposed to salt water. Sustainable management of freshwater resources is a key theme highlighted each year on World Water Day.

The idea of designating a day to celebrate freshwater was originally put forth in 1992 at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED).  The United Nations General Assembly declared March 22, 1993, as the first World Water Day and the tradition has continued since then.  Each year there is a different theme highlighting some aspect of freshwater.  Themes have ranged from water scarcity to sanitation to this year’s theme of “Water for cities: responding to the urban challenge.”

Continue reading “It’s a water-filled world”