WORLD WATER DAY

 

World Water Day 2011

   It started from an initiative from the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) which was held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. The UN General Assembly designated 22 March of each year as the World Day for Water. It was observed starting in 1993, in conformity with the recommendations of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development contained in chapter 18 (Fresh Water Resources) of Agenda 21.  Its objective is to focus attention on the importance of freshwater and advocate for the sustainable management of freshwater resources.

  For World Water Day 2011, the theme is "Water for Cities: Responding to the Urban Challenge." You can click this link to get more information,

http://www.worldwaterday2011.org/

   Let's see what our country did for this special day. On 12 March, 2011, in Pekan River Front, Pahang, there was a celebration officiated by our Prime Minister, YAB Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak. He pointed out three categories namely: excessive water that led to floods, water shortage that led to drought, and water quality caused by weather changes and global warming that were among the challenges and issues pertaining to water. As such, more concerted efforts need to be implemented for water resource governance at the federal and state levels in a more integrated manner. 

  Meanwhile in Penang, the event was held on 3 April, 2011 at Taman Metropolitan Relau. SPAN (Suruhanjaya Air Negara) aims are ;

• To create awareness for the public to conserve the environment and the need to conserve water
• Participated in the exhibition organized by Water Watch Penang and to promote SPAN regarding it’s main functions and duties
• To create awareness and knowledge  regarding  the role of the Span’s main  functions on treated water and the sewerage industry in  Malaysia

  Here are some photos of the event ( taken from  http://www.span.gov.my/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=497&Itemid=708)

  SPAN had several open days on 14 and 23 April , 2011 at Sri Gading Water Treatment Plant , Batu Pahat Parit Raja Water Treatment Plant, Johor  and also Rasa Water Treatment Plant, Kuala Kubu Bharu. SATU Water (Syarikat Air Terengganu) also organized an open day. There were also other states that had an open day to celebrate this special event. On 26 April, at  Laku Management Sdn Bhd there was an open day to let visitors learn on how water is being processed, treated and distributed. The open day, from 9am to 4pm, was held at water treatment plants in Miri, Bintulu and Limbang simultaneously. The event was aimed at raising the awareness on appreciation for water.

 

   There were many other events held at school, organisation, company and state level such ENO Malaysia and Malaysian Nature Society Kedah Branch, on 22 Mar 11 celebrated  at Kuala Selangor, with international youth group from 20 countries and local Malaysian students SMK Teloi Kanan, Kuala Ketil, Malaysia launched World Water Monitoring Day 2011.