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Siret River, Romania

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Turgutalp, Hacı Yamak Caddesi, Soma/Manisa

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Turgutalp, Hacı Yamak Caddesi, Soma/Manisa

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Turgutalp, Hacı Yamak Caddesi, Soma/Manisa

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Turgutalp, located in Soma district of Manisa, is known for its freshwater resources. Old local records mention drinkable cold spring water in this area. Today, these water sources are important for meeting local water needs. Protecting them is necessary for clean water, public health, and sustainable use.

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Lake Marmara, located in the Manisa province of western Türkiye within the Gediz River basin, is an officially recognized "Wetland of National Importance" that serves as a vital habitat for over a hundred bird species, including endangered pelicans and flamingos, while historically providing crucial irrigation for fertile agricultural lands and supporting local fishing. Unfortunately, this critical ecosystem is currently facing a severe ecological catastrophe and has almost completely dried up due to climate change, prolonged droughts, the diversion of its feeding streams, and unconscious, excessive groundwater extraction for agriculture. As young water explorers, we can take action by launching digital awareness campaigns to advocate for smart drip-irrigation systems over wasteful farming methods, creating educational posters, and organizing school seminars to demand strict water-management policies that will safely restore water back into the lake.

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BAKIRÇAY NEHRİ

SEMİH ÖTKEN SOMA SCİENCE AND ART CENTRE

Agriculture: The river provides water for irrigation, helping farmers grow crops such as cotton, tobacco, grapes, olives, and vegetables in the Bakırçay Plain.

Drinking water: The river supports local water needs and agriculture, but it is not a major direct drinking water source because water quality can be affected by pollution and seasonal changes.

Biodiversity: The Bakırçay River and its surrounding wetlands provide habitats for many plant and animal species, including fish, water birds, and other wildlife important to the local ecosystem.

Cultural and historical value: The river has played an important role throughout history. Ancient civilizations such as those living in Pergamon (Bergama) developed around the fertile lands of the Bakırçay Basin, and the river has supported human settlement and agriculture for thousands of years.

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Gediz River-Mehmet Asım-Enise ULU ÇOĞALAN-Soma Science and Art Center

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Gediz River-Mehmet Asım-Enise ULU ÇOĞALAN-Soma Science and Art Center

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Agriculture: The river provides water for irrigation, helping farmers grow crops like cotton, grapes, and olives.

Drinking water: It provides water to nearby regions, but it is not a major direct drinking water source everywhere because of pollution concerns in some areas.

Biodiversity: . Gediz Delta is a very important natural habitat with many bird species, including flamingos.

Cultural and historical value: The river has historical importance because ancient civilizations lived and farmed around it. It has supported human life for thousands of years.

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Colegiul Naţional Spiru Haret, Bulevardul Victoriei, Tecuci

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 The Danube River - A water source Europe should protect

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Monica Iuliana ONICA, The Spiru Haret National College, Tecuci, Romania.

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Monica Iuliana ONICA, The Spiru Haret National College, Tecuci, Romania.

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The Danube is the second-longest river in Europe. It flows through or along the borders of ten countries and crosses southern Romania before reaching the Black Sea. Its final section forms the famous Delta Dunării, one of the most important wetlands in Europe.

Why is the Danube important?

The Danube provides water for millions of people. Many towns and cities use water from the river, which is treated and made safe for drinking. It is an essential resource for everyday life.

Supporting Agriculture

Romania has large agricultural areas that depend on water. The Danube helps farmers irrigate crops such as wheat, corn, and vegetables, contributing to food production and the economy.

Biodiversity

The Danube Delta is a unique ecosystem with an incredible variety of wildlife. It is home to hundreds of bird species, many fish species, and rare plants. Pelicans, herons, and cormorants can all be found there. The delta is one of the best-preserved natural areas in Europe and plays an important role in protecting biodiversity.

Transport and Economy

For centuries, the Danube has been an important transport route connecting different parts of Europe. Ships carry goods and passengers along the river, supporting trade, tourism, and economic development.

Cultural and Historical Value

The Danube has influenced the history and culture of Romania for thousands of years. Many cities, traditions, and historical events are linked to the river. It is an important symbol of connection between European countries and cultures.

Why should Europe protect it?

The Danube faces challenges such as pollution, climate change, and habitat loss. Protecting this river means protecting clean water, wildlife, agriculture, and the livelihoods of millions of people. By working together, European countries can ensure that the Danube remains a healthy and valuable resource for future generations.

Conclusion

The Danube is much more than a river. It provides drinking water, supports agriculture and transportation, protects unique ecosystems, and has great cultural and historical importance. For these reasons, it is a water source that Europe should continue to protect and preserve.

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Rita Bronze, AE Santos Simões, Guimarães, Portugal - Rio Mondego

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Rita Bronze, AE Santos Simões, Guimarães, Portugal - Rio Mondego

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The Mondego River is the largest river entirely located in Portugal. It rises in the Serra da Estrela and flows through several cities, including Coimbra, before emptying into the Atlantic Ocean in the city of Figueira da Foz.

Why is it important?

Drinking Water

The Mondego River provides drinking water for several communities in the central region of Portugal.

Agriculture

The waters of the Mondego are very important for agriculture. The fields of Baixo Mondego use this water to irrigate crops such as rice, corn, and vegetables.

Biodiversity

The river and the wetlands around it are home to several species of fish, birds, and plants. These ecosystems help protect biodiversity and maintain the natural balance of the region.

Cultural and Historical Value

The Mondego River has great cultural and historical value, especially in the city of Coimbra. The river is closely connected to the history of the university, academic traditions, and Portuguese literature, and it is often called the “river of the students.”

Why should Europe protect it?

Europe should protect the Mondego River because pollution, climate change, wildfires, and water waste can threaten its ecosystems. Protecting this river means preserving clean water, supporting agriculture, protecting wildlife, and conserving an important part of Portugal’s natural and cultural heritage.

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Helena AE Santos Simões - Rio Ave, Portugal

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Helena AE Santos Simões - Rio Ave, Portugal

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The Ave River originates in the Serra da Cabreira mountains in northern Portugal and flows near the city of Guimarães. It is one of the most important rivers in the Minho region. It supplies water for various human and natural activities. The river’s water is used in agriculture, helping farmers irrigate their fields and crops. In addition, the river is essential for biodiversity, as it serves as a habitat for various species of animals and plants and holds cultural and historical value for the local population,

having been linked to the development of cities and communities over the centuries. Today, it is important to protect this river from pollution and promote

sustainable water use to ensure a healthier environment for future generations.

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Carina Silva AESS, Guimarães, Portugal -  Rio Tejo

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Carina Silva AESS, Guimarães, Portugal -  Rio Tejo

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Tagus River (Rio Tejo)

The Tagus River, known as Rio Tejo in Portugal, is the longest river in the Iberian Peninsula. It begins in Spain and flows through Portugal, passing by the city of Lisbon before reaching the Atlantic Ocean.

Why is it important?

The Tagus River is very important for both Portugal and Spain. It provides water for agriculture, industry and human consumption. It is also home to many species of birds, fish and plants, helping to protect biodiversity. In addition, the river has cultural and historical value, as many cities and communities developed along its banks.

Threats to the Tagus River

The river faces several environmental threats, such as water pollution, plastic waste, droughts caused by climate change and excessive water use. Industrial and agricultural activities can also negatively affect water quality and local ecosystems.

Student Suggestions

Young people can help protect the Tagus River by avoiding littering, reducing plastic use, saving water and participating in environmental awareness activities or clean-up campaigns. Students can also share information about the importance of protecting water resources with their families and communities.

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Aurora Guimarães, AESantos Simões, Guimarães- Barragem da Queimadela - Fafe - Portugal

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Aurora Guimarães, AESantos Simões, Guimarães- Barragem da Queimadela - Fafe - Portugal

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The water source we chose is the Queimadela Dam.

The Queimadela Dam is located in Fafe, near the city of Guimarães, in northern Portugal. It is an important water reserve in the region and a natural area highly appreciated by the local population.

The Queimadela Dam is important because it contributes to the water supply and helps preserve the environmental balance of the area. It is also an important place for biodiversity, as it is home to several species of plants and animals.

In addition to its environmental importance, this place also has cultural and recreational value. Many people visit the dam to walk, practice sports, and enjoy nature. Therefore, it is essential to protect this water source and promote its sustainability for future generations