22.03.2021, 10:51h
World Water Day
Water covers more than two-thirds of the globe
This is the most important chemical compound on our planet, an important component of all living organisms, and without it, life as we know it would not be possible. Water is imperative for humans: we use it in our households, economy, health care, culture, education… in virtually all spheres of life. The way we evaluate and appreciate water determines how we manage it.
In the 21st century, now more than ever, we need to think about the availability, quantity and quality of water. World Water Day is celebrated on 22 March, and focuses on a different topic every year. This year’s motto is “Valuing Water”. Due to economic development and the enormous growth of the global population, the demand for water is increasing, and exploitation of this resource is growing faster and faster. Water is not equally available to all: it is assessed that more than two billion people do not have access to safe, clean drinking water. Climate change is further contributing to water pollution, making water resources unstable and uncertain.
The Public Institute of Krka National Park regularly joins in to celebrate important days in nature conservation. In these extraordinary circumstances caused by the pandemic, this year, a virtual event was organised with children, with online workshops and an interesting quiz. Children from the Smilje kindergarten in Šibenik and the Siget kindergarten in Zagreb participated. During last week, the children prepared for World Water Day by freshening up their knowledge about water, and today they learned more about the Krka River, its residents and how they live, and generally about biological diversity and the fragile balance between humans and nature. Through the quiz, they were reminded that water is divided into flowing and standing waters, about how water changes its form, about which plants and animals live in water or by water, and how we humans, both big and small, can protect water. With an abundance of laughter and song, the children concluded that every drop of water on Earth is important, big or tiny. Both kindergarten groups were awarded with special prize packages.
World Water Day is celebrated above all to raise awareness of the importance of fresh water, and to support the sustainable management of freshwater resources. Though water covers 70% of the Earth’s surface, freshwater resources around the world are threatened, not only due to overexploitation and inappropriate management, but also due to environmental pollution. This year we ask, why is water important? Why do we use it? How can we save water and value it more? How can we protect it?
