World Rivers Day, in the context of the recent dramatic flood events that have affected Poland and other Central European countries, is an opportunity to emphasize the particular importance of rivers for our lives and development. They play fundamental ecological and economic roles, providing drinking water, serving as sources of food and energy, and acting as transportation routes. They also offer refuge to many species. However, as recent disasters have shown, human activity, climate change, and environmental degradation pose serious threats to these life-sustaining ecosystems.
Faced with increasingly frequent extreme events such as floods and droughts, the protection of rivers becomes an essential element of adaptive strategies. World Rivers Day should be a time for reflection on the urgent need to take action for their protection and sustainable management of our resources.
Polish rivers – a wealth to be cared for
Poland has a rich river network, with around 150,000 rivers, streams, and brooks. The Vistula flows across the country from the mountains to the Baltic Sea, not only as a watercourse but also as a cultural and historical symbol. It played a key role in the development of cities and was a major trade route. Today, it remains equally significant, though increasingly exposed to pollution.
No less important is Poland’s second-longest river, the Oder, which flows through the western part of the country, forming a natural border with Germany. It is one of the main water and industrial transport routes. The significance of the Oder for transportation and the economy means that any changes in its flow or ecological condition directly impact the lives of millions of people. The Oder is regulated and developed in many sections.
Both major and smaller Polish rivers are increasingly exposed to the effects of human activity and climate change. Industrial and agricultural pollution, as well as the discharge of untreated sewage or waste, degrade water quality, poison river ecosystems, and reduce biodiversity. The increasingly frequent extreme weather events, such as droughts and sudden floods, further disrupt the natural river regime and cause changes in ecosystems. River regulation, channel deepening, and both longitudinal and transverse construction often represent unjustified actions that contribute not only to habitat fragmentation but also to intensify the effects of extreme events.
River protection is also about raising awareness
Protecting rivers is not only about better safeguarding ourselves against the increasingly common extreme events but also a key element of long-term water resource management strategies. In the face of the challenges that rivers around the world are facing, people need to better understand their own impact on these fragile ecosystems.
In this context, it’s worth highlighting the documentary Do ostatniej kropli (Till the Last Drop) directed by Ewa Ewart, which emphasizes the enormous role of education and access to reliable information on water protection, especially rivers. This film not only illustrates the scale of the problem resulting from irresponsible exploitation of water resources but also serves as an inspiration to take action for sustainable management.
The documentary stresses that the current water crisis is the result of years of neglect, pollution, and excessive river regulation, which have led to their degradation. The reduction of biodiversity, the deterioration of water quality, and the direct impact on the lives of millions of people dependent on river resources are just a few of the many consequences of these actions.
We also want to remind you of our educational campaign 10 Grzechów Głównych (10 Deadly Sins), which draws attention to the everyday mistakes we make regarding rivers and the ecosystems that depend on them. Littered shores or floating plastic bags are no accident – someone must have thrown them there. It is worth asking ourselves: what do we leave behind when we spend time by the water?
Rivers are the lifeblood of our planet. They are crucial not only for the survival of human civilization but also for millions of plant and animal species. By caring for them today, we are caring for a sustainable future for all of us.