Responding to World Water Day 2025

According to United Nations, glaciers and ice sheets currently store about 70% of the gobal freshwater, nearly 2 billion people rely on water soureces from glaciers, snowmelt and and mountain runoff for their daily lives and agricultural production. Increased glacier melting has led to global sea-level rise, about 20 cm higher than in 1900, posing significant risks to water sources for communities that affects many sectors and the global economy.

In Vietnam, water resources depend heavily on international water sources and are facing challenges in water security due to the influence of upstream countries. Therefore, integrated water resources management by river basin, unification between quantity and quality, surface water and groundwater, upstream and downstream are basic and optimal principles that Vietnam and other countries in the world are being applied. In order to adapt to the degradation, depletion, and pollution of water resources, Vietnam has strengthened cooperation with countries in the region to manage water resources in a balanced, unified and synchronous manner, ensuring water security, meeting socio-economic development and sustainable development goals, contributing to solving the global water crisis.

Cao Bang has an average density of rivers and streams (0.5 - 1.0 km/km2). Most of the province's major rivers originate from China or the Vietnam - China border area. Due to the complex mountainous terrain, rivers in Cao Bang flow into two distinct directions: some rivers such as Gam River, Neo River flow westward; some rivers such as Bang River, Quay Son River and Bac Vong River flow eastward or southeastward. Flowing through mountains and plateaus, the water runs rapidly, with many rapids and waterfalls, offering great potential for hydroelectricity. The river level fluctuates seasonally. In the rainy season, the water rushes down into the ravines and valleys, causing flash floods. In the dry season, rivers and stream become shallow, certain sections can be waded through. The amount of water between the two seasons varies greatly. 

Non Nuoc Cao Bang UNESCO Global Geopark has a system of majestic rivers, streams, waterfalls and caves, including many famous sites such as Ban Gioc Waterfall, Nguom Ngao Cave, Thang Hen Lake, etc., which are closely dependent on natural freshwater sources. Given the challenge of global climate change, protecting water resources in the Geopark territory is more urgent than ever. This is not only the responsibility of local authorities but also requires the cooperation of the entire community.
In response to World Water Day 2025, the Management Board of Non Nuoc Cao Bang Geopark promotes the work on communication and raising awareness about the importance of protecting water resources, calling on everyone to contribute to preserving water resources with practical actions such as: disseminating the message about the importance of water to the ecosystem, while emphasizing the negative impacts of water pollution; limiting single-use plastic products, prioritizing the use of environmentally friendly products; protecting upstream forests - natural shields to maintain the purity of water sources; practicing water saving in daily life as well as in agricultural production to ensure long-term water resources; properly treating wastewater, preventing negative impacts on rivers, streams and ecosystems.
Each small action today can make a big change for the future. Act now to protect water resources - protect life, for a green, clean, sustainable environment for today's and future generations!