Dong Thap Actively Marks World Water Day and World Meteorological Day 2026

(DTO) Implementing the Dong Thap Provincial People’s Committee’s directives, the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Dong Thap Province has issued a notice calling on departments, agencies, mass organizations, and commune- and ward-level authorities to simultaneously roll out practical activities that raise public awareness of water resource protection and climate adaptation.

For 2026, World Water Day (March 22) carries the theme “Water and Gender,” underscoring the essential role of clean water and sanitation in promoting gender equality and sustainable development. It highlights empowering women and girls in water resource management as a key foundation for improving public health, economic development, and human rights.

Meanwhile, World Meteorological Day (March 23), themed “Observing Today, Protecting Tomorrow,” emphasizes the importance of meteorological and hydrological data in forecasting and early warning, helping protect lives, property, and ecosystems amid intensifying climate impacts.

According to the Department of Agriculture and Environment, activities in response to the two observances will take place from March 22 to March 30, 2026. The main focus includes displaying billboards, bandrolls, and posters at offices and along major roads, featuring messages such as “Water is Life - Equality is the Future,” “Clean Water for All - Equality for Every Gender,” and “Observe Today to Protect Tomorrow.”

Local agencies and organizations are also encouraged to host a wide range of initiatives such as seminars, forums, art and photography contests, media campaigns, and the application of information technology and artificial intelligence in resource management and hydrometeorological forecasting.

Communication efforts will be strengthened to boost public awareness of the value of water resources, the importance of gender equality, and the effective use of forecast and early-warning information in disaster prevention. Schools are encouraged to integrate environmental education into lessons and organize extracurricular activities to spread environmental protection messages to younger generations.

At the same time, the province will continue focusing on key tasks including ensuring water security, building water resource databases, restoring degraded or polluted rivers, modernizing hydrometeorological monitoring systems, and improving forecast and early-warning quality.

Through these efforts, Dong Thap aims to enhance awareness and responsibility across all sectors and communities in protecting water resources, promoting gender equality, and proactively adapting to climate change for sustainable development.

By H. THONG
Translated by ANH DUC