ANU marks World Water Day

On the occasion of World Water Day that is celebrated on 22 March every year, ANUgreen volunteers once again put their hands together and cleaned up Sullivans Creek. Volunteers collected six bags of rubbish from the banks of the Creek before it made its way further downstream where it could have ended up in parks, bushland and waterways. On top of the usual pieces such as plastic bags, bottles and cans, and all sorts of packaging, there was a can of Sprite dating from probably 90s, a shirt and one thong.

World Water Day is an annual event reminding us of the importance of universal access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene facilities in developing countries. The day also focuses on advocating for the sustainable management of freshwater resources.

The theme for this year was ‘Nature for Water’ – exploring nature-based solutions to the water challenges we face in the 21st century. By using the solutions we already find in nature, we can reduce floods, droughts and water pollution. Nature-based solutions, such as planting trees to replenish forests, reconnecting rivers to floodplains, and restoring wetlands, is a sustainable and cost-effective way to help rebalance the water cycle, mitigate the effects of climate change and improve human health and livelihoods.