By Nelisiwe Khusi
September marked the celebration of two important environmental events: World Water Monitoring Day and World Rivers Day. These days highlight the importance of protecting our water resources and preserving the health of rivers. As global water systems face growing challenges from pollution to climate change, these annual events inspire collective action and raise awareness.
Celebrating World Water Monitoring Day in Barrydale: Home to the Critically Endangered Barrydale Redfin
World Water Monitoring Day is celebrated each year on the 18th of September, focusing on the need to monitor and protect freshwater resources. This year, the Gouritz Cluster Biosphere Reserve (GCBR) MAB Youth assisted the Grootvadersbosch Conservancy (GVBCT) to engage children from Barrydale in a hands-on learning experience at Barrydale’s Caravan Park.
The event featured mini-SASS, a simplified river health assessment tool, which introduced the children to the basics of aquatic ecosystem health. The children learned to identify various macroinvertebrates—key bio-indicators of water quality—and assessed river health while experiencing the importance of maintaining healthy freshwater systems. They also learned about the critically endangered Barrydale Redfin and the importance of protecting this species.
GVBCT has planted over 1,000 indigenous plants to restore the riparian zone of the Huis River. A communal medicinal garden and picnic area have also been created to benefit the community. During the event, the children toured the park, learning about the medicinal properties of the indigenous plants and even planting some themselves. This hands-on activity allowed them to grasp how such restoration activities contribute to the health and sustainability of river ecosystems.
Celebrating World Rivers Day in Gouritzmond
World Rivers Day is celebrated annually on the last Sunday of September to raise awareness about the importance of rivers and encourage responsible stewardship. In 2024, it was observed on September 22nd.
The GCBR MAB-Youth joined a school holiday programme in Gouritzmond, coordinated by Janine Adams from the Hessequa Local Municipality. This programme introduced local children to the significance of rivers, with activities aimed at educating them on how to keep rivers clean. Through mini-SASS assessments and a visit to the estuary, the children learned how rivers connect to the ocean and play a vital role in the water cycle. Discussions also covered the negative impacts of invasive alien plants on river systems. The children were taught about how these plants disrupt ecosystems by outcompeting indigenous species, altering water flow, and degrading habitats.
Linking to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Both World Water Monitoring Day and World Rivers Day are directly connected to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically:
SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
- Target 6.3: Improve water quality by reducing pollution, recycling, and ensuring safe reuse.
- Target 6.5: Implement integrated water resource management at all levels.
- Target 6.6: Protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including rivers, wetlands, and lakes.
By participating in water monitoring activities and promoting water conservation, communities contribute to achieving these critical global goals.
River Health Monitoring in the Gouritz Cluster Biosphere Reserve
At GCBR, we are dedicated to monitoring the health of local rivers, using a variety of methods and tools. Regular monitoring helps us assess river conditions, raise awareness, and guide sustainable management practices. To learn more about our river health monitoring techniques, explore our GCBR Monitoring Methods blog.
How Can You Get Involved?
Local communities can take meaningful steps to conserve water and protect river ecosystems. There are various citizen science tools that make it easy for anyone to contribute such as:
- Mini-SASS: A simplified version of the SASS5 system, allowing community members to monitor river health by recording and scoring aquatic macroinvertebrates.
- Water Clarity Tube: Measures water transparency to assess sediment levels in rivers.
- WaterCAN: A water testing kit that allows communities to evaluate the quality of river or tap water.
Additional Ways to Contribute
Beyond water monitoring, there are other impactful ways to protect water resources, such as:
- Presenting water quality data to local government officials for action.
- Organizing river or beach cleanups to reduce pollution.
- Participating in river restoration projects, including invasive species clearing programmes.
World Water Monitoring Day and World Rivers Day are important reminders that protecting our water resources requires collective action. By using citizen science tools, engaging in conservation activities, and supporting sustainable goals, individuals and communities can make a significant impact on water quality and sustainability.