An online archive of photographs depicting UK water sites taken by members of the public was launched yesterday (September 10th 2003) to celebrate the UN International Year of Freshwater.
Called the National Collection of Freshwater sites, this unique visual record has been compiled as part of H2O03, the UK initiative to celebrate the UN Year, and can be visited on www.freshwatersites.org.uk
"We asked people to submit photos of local freshwater sites that were important to them and have awarded prizes to the best submissions," says H2O03 organiser Rob Flavin from the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, speaking from an event to celebrate the UN Year in Oxfordshire.
"Photos came in from all over the country along with a description from each entrant on what the location meant to them. We were very impressed with the quality of entries and range of subject matter representing all types of site from rivers through to ponds. Shots came in from both rural and urban locations.
"The National Collection demonstrates the importance of these freshwater sites to people and wildlife."
Although the competition has now closed, Rob Flavin is keen to encourage more submissions to the National Collection.
"People are able to send more entries via the website as we want to continue building the collection," he says.
"As well as being a 'living' archive for the country to enjoy, the National Collection should also help people working on European legislation that protects and improves our freshwater resources. It will provide a social commentary to complement technical assessments taking place."
Organisers of H2O03 include the Department for International Development, Environment Agency, Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, DEFRA, WaterAid, Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust and the British Hydrological Society.
