site.btaBulgaria Marks World Water Day

To honour World Water Day, March 22, the Ministry of Environment and Water and its regional structures have organized numerous events across Bulgaria. The theme this year is 'Glacier Preservation', the Ministry said in a press release Thursday.

Quizzes, photo contests and talks are being organized across the country to mark World Water Day. Educational games and waterfowl watching are also part of the activities, according to the Ministry of Environment and Water. Regional environmental and water inspectorates, educational institutions and environmental organizations will join the activities. The Ministry's initiatives on this occasion are aimed almost entirely at students. The program includes lectures, discussions, open lessons, open days in various institutions and cleaning of protected areas. The diversity of events is complemented by modeling, demonstrations of the taking of water samples and wastewater treatment plant visits.

The theme 'Glacier Preservation' aims to draw the attention of the global community to the fact that glaciers are melting faster than ever. As the planet gets hotter, our frozen world is shrinking, making the water cycle more unpredictable. For billions of people around the world, the melting of the glaciers is devastating, as they cause floods, droughts, landslides and rising sea levels. Countless communities and ecosystems are at risk of devastation, the ministry said in the press release.

The UN has declared March 21 World Day for Glaciers, starting this year.

World Water Day has been celebrated since 1993. The purpose of the day is to draw public attention to the need for access to safe drinking water and sanitation for all. This year, World Water Day coincides with Earth Hour.