World Rivers Day 2024
The theme for World Rivers Day 2024 is "Waterways of Life".
Every life on this planet depends on water. I personally feel a great affinity for the rivers I’ve lived nearby.
The rivers I’ve known (or who have known me) have provided a sense of solace and joy to me. My life has always been connected to rivers. I grew up next to the incredible Skeena River in northern BC. I remember it filled with salmon and the fast-moving water was like a dangerous mystery to me. Even walking over the Old Skeena Bridge was a thrill when I was young, as I looked down upon the churning torrent.[1]
When I was living in Québec near the Richelieu, you would inevitably see masses of eels when swimming or canoeing in its reaches. And the life-giving Niger River in eastern Mali provided delectable ‘Capitaine’ which was served as a treat in the desert – a nice change to goat meat.[2] The Niger also provided me the unforgettable opportunity to witness crocodiles and hippos in the wild.
Working alongside the Orontes in Syria, the stream always beckoned me to its edge. As I sat in the shade of an old Roman bridge, I’d watch the water flow and the fish swim by, and the birds play.
Photos: Orontes (2002); Yukon River (2020); Bow River (2023)
A cruise on the Nile for my honeymoon was a highlight I will never forget. From the deck you could glimpse ancient architecture, but also fishermen at work, and water buffalo foraging, herons and egrets stalking prey, and the most incredible sunsets.
The Yukon River flows through the basalt canyon, Kwanlin, and embraces Whitehorse, the city that is home to most Yukoners. I enjoyed many days hiking alongside or canoeing on that river, admiring the beavers and eagles and other wildlife.
Sitting by the water’s edge in solitude revives my soul. Even now in Calgary, I often spend my weekends strolling by the Bow River – taking in the flora and fauna that line its banks. We need to stop and appreciate what rivers offer us. They aren’t just water (which would be enough) but the lifeblood that runs through the countryside – providing shelter and sustenance for all within its reach.
On this World Rivers Day, let’s all take a moment to give gratitude to life sustaining rivers.
[1]The bridge was recognized as an Historic Place in 2005. https://www.historicplaces.ca/en/rep-reg/place-lieu.aspx?id=14604
[2] The Capitaine fish is so appreciated in Mali, that a brand of Chinese green tea sold in Mali, depicted fish on the package. https://www.virtualgreenteamuseum.de/capitaine.php Strong green tea brewed with lots of sugar is also a staple in Mali.
