As September unfolds, we are reminded of our vital connection to the ecosystems that sustain us. This month, also considered as Clean-Up Month, features two significant events—World Cleanup Day and World Rivers Day—inviting us to reflect on our environmental responsibilities and take action to honor and preserve our rivers. 

World Cleanup Day 

This year’s World Cleanup Day, celebrated on September 20, focused on “Arctic Cities and Marine Litter,” underscoring the urgent need for clean-up efforts in the Arctic’s fragile ecosystem. The United Nations General Assembly recently designated this day to encourage participation from Member States, organizations, and citizens alike in activities that raise awareness about the importance of sustainable clean-up efforts. 

Over the years, communities globally have engaged in cleanup activities, making this day an opportunity to celebrate our accomplishments and emphasize our shared responsibility for preserving a clean environment and sustainable waste management. Also, National CleanUp Day is celebrated on the 3rd Saturday of the month which was 21st September this year i.e yesterday. 

World Rivers Day: Honoring Our Waterways 

World Rivers Day, observed on the fourth Sunday of September (September 22 this year),which is today celebrates the world’s waterways and raises awareness of the threats they face. Founded in 2005 by Canadian conservationist Mark Angelo, this global event unites millions of participants through clean-up initiatives, educational programs, and conservation efforts aimed at safeguarding rivers and water resources. The theme for 2024, "Waterways for a Sustainable Future," highlights the need to protect and restore rivers to ensure clean water for future generations and support biodiversity. 

You might be wondering how we contribute while celebrating both of these global events. 

Nepal is home to approximately 6,000 rivers, with around 1,000 extending beyond 11 kilometers and about 100 exceeding 160 kilometers in length. Known for its abundant waterways, these rivers originate from the pristine Himalayas and flow through the hilly regions to the Terai plains, ultimately joining larger rivers in India. As the second-richest country in freshwater resources after Brazil, Nepal's rivers and streams collectively measure about 45,000 kilometers in length and offer a water storage capacity of around 202,000 million cubic meters. 

Rivers are essential to our survival, providing drinking water, supporting agriculture, and serving as habitats for countless species. However, pollution from plastic waste and harmful chemicals threatens these vital waterways, affecting ecosystems and communities reliant on them for their livelihoods. 

Freshwater species have seen a rapid decline of 84% since 1970, whereas 70% of wetlands have been lost since the 1900. The story of freshwater degradation and decline in Nepal is similar to that of many other regions. With four major river systems—Koshi, Gandaki, Karnali, and Mahakali—alongside over 11,614 rivers and rivulets, and a vast amount of freshwater stored in glaciers, permafrost, and glacial lakes, Nepal possesses significant potential for economic growth centered on water resources. Additionally, these river systems are habitats for freshwater megafauna, including the Ganges River Dolphin, the critically endangered Gharial, and numerous fish species that hold important socio-cultural significance. (WWF Nepal) 

Cleaning our rivers is crucial because polluted waterways pose serious threats to communities relying on them for drinking water and recreation. Also, Clean rivers provide essential habitats for diverse wildlife. Further, Healthy rivers bolster local economies through tourism, fishing, and agriculture. Nepal, a landlocked country, may seem distant from the oceans, but the health of our rivers still plays a crucial role in global ecosystems. Waste and pollution from our rivers travel downstream, ultimately impacting seas and oceans. By contributing to the cleanliness of our local waterways, we can make a difference far beyond our borders. 

The rapid urbanization, increasing population, and inadequate waste management systems that often ends up in waterways have led to a rise in water pllution, plastic pollution being one of  them. Over the years, plastic pollution in water is a critical issue, and Nepal's rivers are significantly affected by it. Major rivers including the Koshi, Bagmati, and Narayni are heavily burdened with plastic debris, harming aquatic ecosystems and biodiversity. In addition to visible plastic waste, microplastics—tiny plastic particles less than five millimeters in size—are also a significant concern. These microplastics can originate from larger plastic items that break down over time, as well as from synthetic fibers in clothing and other products. They pose serious risks to both aquatic life and human health, as they can be ingested by fish and other organisms, entering the food chain. 

Communities relying on these rivers for drinking water, agriculture, and fishing face dire consequences as microplastics and toxic substances accumulate. Efforts to combat plastic pollution in Nepal are essential. Initiatives like clean-up drives, community awareness programs, and improved waste management practices can help reduce the amount of plastic entering these vital water bodies. Promoting alternatives to single-use plastics and encouraging recycling are also crucial steps. Addressing both plastic pollution and microplastics is vital for preserving Nepal's rich aquatic ecosystems and ensuring the well-being of its communities. 

CREASION Nepal, through its impactful Project CAP (Collaborative Approach for Preventing Plastic Leakages in Rivers of Nepal), is committed to creating plastic-free rivers in Nepal working in 7 project locatioons Bharatpur Metropolitan City, Ichchhakamana Rural Municipality, Bardibas Municipality, Kathmandu Valley, Hetauda Sub Metropolitan City, Golanjor Rural Municipality, Gajuri Rural Municipality and Kathmandu Valley making a complete Green Circuit. Project CAP is funded by the PLEASE (Plastic Free Rivers and Seas for South Asia) Project, implemented by the South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme, supported by the World Bank and with implementing support from UNOPS. 

The project activities extend beyond cleanup efforts to encompass a wide range of activities aimed at fostering sustainability and community engagement. We work with vulnerable communities including (Majhi and Bote) along rivers and Waste Workers, providing education and sensitization to raise awareness about the impacts of plastic pollution and their role to meet our common goal of plastic free rivers. Our collaboration with local civil society organizations (CSOs) enhances their capacity to manage waste effectively and promotes environmentally friendly practices. Additionally, we are establishing and sensitizing two Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) and a PET Recovery Facility (PRF) to facilitate proper waste management and recycling. These facilities will not only reduce plastic waste in our rivers but also create job opportunities and promote a circular economy. So far, we have completed numerous cleanup events, mobilizing hundreds of volunteers and community members directly. Our vision is a world free from plastic pollution, where rivers can flow freely and ecosystems can thrive. By combining cleanup efforts with community education, partnerships with local organizations, and infrastructure development, we believe we can make a significant impact in protecting our waterways for future generations. This month special CREASION is doing Green Circuit Marathon with clean-up events across projecr locations under the leadership of VFC-Volunteer for Change Youth Cohorts. Join us in our mission to restore the health of our rivers and promote a cleaner, greener planet! 

Imagine Earth as our home, countries as individual rooms, and specific locations as corners within those rooms. Every small initiative happening worldwide is a collaborative effort to tidy up and care for our shared space. Each action contributes to a cleaner, healthier environment, making our home a better place for everyone. The recent revival of freshwater dolphins in the Narayani River of Nepal is truly a remarkable achievement which demonstrates the power of dedicated conservation efforts and the necessity for collective action involving communities, organizations, and governments.  

As we celebrate September, let’s commit to action. If you’re looking to participate, consider joining any local event hapening around you or lead one. Join the Green Circuit Marathon by Project CAP, featuring clean-up events across various locations led by the VFC-Volunteer for Change Youth Cohorts. Every effort matters—whether it's spreading awareness on social media, adopting sustainable habits, or choosing eco-friendly products. Together, we can revitalize our rivers, support biodiversity, and create a sustainable future for generations. 

Be part of this global movement this September and beyond.