March 22 is celebrated annually as World Water Day to highlight the importance of freshwater resources and focus on the sustainable management of water sources.
The idea for World Water Day was first proposed at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in 1992. Following the official adoption of World Water Day by the United Nations General Assembly on March 22, 1993, it began to be celebrated worldwide each year. This year, with the theme ‘Valuing Water for Peace,’ First Lady Emine Erdoğan made a call for water efficiency. Additionally, various events were held as part of the Water Efficiency Campaign launched under the auspices of First Lady Erdoğan.
Bir yudum su, bir fidanın filizlenmesi, bir tarlanın bereketi, bir nehrin akışıdır.
Bir damla tasarruf, bir damla hayat demektir. #SuVerimliliği Seferberliği, işte bu sorumluluk bilincinin bir tezahürü.
Evlerimizde, iş yerlerimizde, tarlalarımızda suyu bilinçli kullanarak… pic.twitter.com/5oEihFk4MF
— Emine Erdoğan (@EmineErdogan) March 22, 2024
WATER EFFICIENCY BULLETIN PUBLISHED
A special bulletin detailing the year-long efforts under the Water Efficiency Campaign, launched with the principle of “Zero Water Loss” to ensure the sustainability of resources, was published on March 22, World Water Day. The bulletin provides information on national and international initiatives aimed at the efficient use of water resources.
WORLD WATER DAY EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS HELD IN SCHOOLS BY PROVINCIAL DIRECTORATES OF AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY
As part of the campaign, educational programs aimed at fostering water efficiency awareness among primary school students continued throughout World Water Day Week. From March 18-22, 2024, Water Efficiency Training Sessions were organized by the Provincial Directorates of Agriculture and Forestry in the provinces of Bolu, Bilecik, Kütahya, Uşak, and Denizli.
Using educational materials prepared in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and the Ministry of National Education, students and teachers received information on the importance of water resources and individual water efficiency methods. Subsequently, all students were declared ‘Water Volunteers.’ The ‘Water Cycle’ model displayed in the Water Efficiency Education Truck offered a hands-on experience to help students understand the significance of water.
During World Water Day Week, the Water Efficiency Education Truck visited students, participating in the ‘Be a Drop for the Future with Hands that Protect Water’ festival in the Tavas district of Denizli on World Water Day, where it engaged directly with students.
FARMER TRAININGS CONTINUE AS PART OF THE WATER EFFICIENCY CAMPAIGN
Provincial Directorates of Agriculture and Forestry continue to provide farmer training as part of the Water Efficiency Campaign. The training sessions offer detailed information on efficient irrigation techniques. Aiming to promote effective water use in agricultural production, these sessions introduce farmers to modern irrigation methods and support their practical application.
Enhancing farmers’ knowledge and skills is foundational to sustainable agriculture, and increased efficiency significantly contributes to the development of national agriculture. These trainings aim to improve quality and productivity in agricultural production, encouraging farmers to adopt healthier and more sustainable farming practices.
In various programs organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry for World Water Day, the impacts of climate change on water resources and water efficiency practices as part of the adaptation process were also discussed.
ANKARA SCIENCE UNIVERSITY HOSTS YOUTH-WATER MEETING
At the Youth-Water Meeting held at Ankara Science University, the Ministry’s General Directorate of Water Management addressed water efficiency and the impacts of climate change on water resources. Additionally, the university hosted a screening of the documentary There Are Streams Beneath the Asphalt. The event emphasized the importance of water resources and aimed to raise awareness among young people on the protection and mindful use of water.
HAK-İŞ TRADE UNION CONFEDERATION PROGRAM HELD
As part of World Water Day on March 22, the HAK-İŞ Trade Union Confederation organized a program themed Water for a Sustainable Future. During the event, the General Directorate of Water Management provided information on sustainable water management and efficient water use.
YOUNG WATER VOLUNTEERS IN THE FIELD PROJECT” CONTINUES PEER EDUCATION ON WORLD WATER DAY
As part of the Water Efficiency Campaign, students from Girls’ Anatolian Imam Hatip High School in the Kayapınar district of Diyarbakır continued peer education activities on World Water Day under the Youth Water Volunteers in the Field Project. Through this project, which has expanded to 12 different cities and 3 countries, the Young Water Volunteers raise awareness among young people about efficient water use. The initiative has grown beyond a local effort, reaching wide audiences and highlighting the strategic importance of water. Efforts within the Water Efficiency Campaign continue to promote efficient water use as a cultural norm, aiming to leave no one behind in this mission.
THE IMPORTANCE OF WATER REMINDED ON ÇAMLICA MOSQUE’S ILLUMINATION
To mark World Water Day, a meaningful message was displayed on the iconic Çamlıca Mosque in Istanbul: “Water is Homeland! Protect Water, Protect Your Homeland.” This powerful message emphasizes that water is one of our nation’s most vital resources and highlights the need for its preservation. By once again underscoring the importance of water on Çamlıca Mosque’s illumination, efforts continue to raise public awareness for the sustainability and protection of water resources.
