Millions of people around the world will participate in the eighth annual World Rivers Day this Sunday, Sept. 30. With many of the world's rivers facing severe and increasing threats associated with climate change, pollution, and industrial development, more than 60 countries are participating in this year's festivities.

"Rivers are the arteries of our planet and yet many waterways continue to be impacted by inappropriate practices and inadequate protection," said Mark Angelo, Rivers Day founder and chair emeritus of the Rivers Institute at BCIT.

World Rivers Day events around the world will focus on educational and public awareness activities, while others will include river and stream cleanups, habitat enhancement and restoration projects and community riverside celebrations. World Rivers Day has its roots in the great success of B.C. Rivers Day, which has been celebrated for the past 32 years in this province.

"(World Rivers Day) provides a great opportunity for people to get out and enjoy our waterways. At the same time, the event strives to create a greater awareness of the urgent need to better care for our rivers and streams," Angelo said.

Robert Sandford, a water conservation expert, and Angelo helped children release trout at BCIT's Guichon Creek to promote World Rivers Day.

All countries are encouraged to participate, and events can be registered at worldriversday.bcit.ca.

As part of the celebrations, there will be stream restoration work on Sunday, Sept. 30, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Guichon Creek. BCIT's Burnaby campus is at Willingdon and Canada Way.