Yesterday, we celebrated the #InternationalDayofForests, which emphasizes the vital role forests play in ensuring food security. Forests regulate water cycles, support biodiversity, and provide essential resources for agriculture and livelihoods. This highlights the interconnectedness of forests, water, and food systems, reminding us of the importance of understanding how Earth's elements work together. To address the challenges we face, we must adopt a holistic approach, acting collaboratively and with a deep understanding of these interconnections to protect and preserve our environment. 

Today March 22, 2025, there is another unique and powerful alignment that is being celebrated —Earth Hour and World Water Day. While Earth Hour has long been recognized as an occasion to raise awareness about energy conservation and environmental sustainability, World Water Day highlights the urgent need to preserve one of our most precious natural resources: freshwater. The convergence of these two events offers a golden opportunity to emphasize the interconnectedness of our planet's ecosystems. Water is vital for every living being on Earth, and it plays a crucial role in sustaining life, biodiversity, and even the health of our energy systems.  

What better way to honor both causes than by dedicating this day to remember and appreciate efforts and contributions on protecting our environment—by conserving energy and safeguarding freshwater resources? 

World Water Day, observed annually on March 22, reminds us of the global water crisis that many communities face, particularly in arid regions. Freshwater, the lifeblood of agriculture, industry, and human survival, is becoming increasingly scarce due to pollution, overconsumption, and climate change. Freshwater conservation is not just about managing water usage; it’s also about protecting water systems from contamination, particularly by plastics. Our rivers, lakes, and oceans are being choked by plastic waste, which is not only harming aquatic ecosystems but also the communities that depend on these waters for drinking, farming, and sanitation. 

On this remarkable day when Earth Hour and World Water Day come together, we can take meaningful steps toward both reducing our energy consumption and preserving our water resources. While it’s important to switch off lights for an hour and reflect on our energy habits, we must also turn our attention to the pollution that threatens our water systems. Plastic waste is one of the biggest threats to freshwater conservation, as it can end up in rivers and lakes, leaching toxic chemicals and endangering aquatic life. 

This is where innovative solutions and projects come into play. As part of our commitment to freshwater conservation, we are proud to highlight a project that plays a critical role in protecting our rivers and lakes from plastic pollution, Project CAP.  

Project CAP (Collaborative Approach for Preventing Plastic Leakages in Rivers of Nepal) - a project run by CREASION, aims to divert plastic waste into product value chain from landfills and rivers by strengthening plastic waste collection mechanism and strengthening recycling efforts through the introduction of technological innovations. The project will develop a collaborative model to engage all the major stakeholders in establishing a strong plastic waste value chain. Project CAP is funded by PLEASE (Plastic Free Rivers and Seas for South Asia), implemented by South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme, supported by the World Bank, and with implementing support from UNOPS. 

This project focuses on preventing the leakage of plastics into waterways, where they can cause long-lasting damage to ecosystems. Our efforts include developing and implementing solutions to capture and contain plastic waste before it can reach rivers and lakes, ensuring that freshwater systems remain clean and safe for both wildlife and human consumption. 

Through collaboration with local communities, governments, and environmental organizations, we are working to reduce plastic leakage, promote waste management, and raise awareness about the importance of clean, sustainable freshwater resources through circular economy model. This project is an example of how small, localized efforts can lead to widespread change, making a tangible difference in the fight for freshwater conservation. Know much about the project outcome and impact so far through our latest News and Updates.

How You Can Make a Difference ?

On this extraordinary day, as Earth Hour and World Water Day coincide, consider taking a few simple actions to make a lasting impact: 

1. Support freshwater conservation: Donate to or volunteer with organizations that are actively working to protect freshwater resources and combat water pollution. 

2. Minimize plastic waste: Reduce your plastic consumption by choosing reusable materials and avoiding single-use plastics. Participate in community cleanup efforts to help keep plastic out of our rivers and lakes. 

3. Advocate for change: Raise awareness about the importance of freshwater conservation and urge governments to implement policies that protect our water systems from pollution and overuse. 

4. Join the conversation: Share your thoughts and actions on social media using the hashtags #EarthHour and #WorldWaterDay. Let others know that you’re committed to both energy conservation and freshwater protection. 

Let these special days inspire us to act—whether it’s by turning off the lights for Earth Hour, advocating for sustainable water practices, or supporting initiatives that prevent plastic waste from reaching our rivers. Together, we can create a ripple effect of positive change that ensures a thriving, sustainable planet for future generations. By conserving energy and protecting freshwater, we make the Earth’s biggest hour a steppingstone toward a healthier, more sustainable world. Let’s celebrate Earth Hour and World Water Day—not just for one hour or one day, but for a lifetime of meaningful change.