Thousands jump into rivers for clean water

As a reminder of the European directive that calls for all Flemish rivers and waterways to achieve a "good ecological status" by 2015, 2,127 people – including a number of politicians – jumped in the water yesterday at 28 locations across the Flemish region, reports nature organisation Natuurpunt.

The number of participants was lower than in recent years, with last year some 3,800 people taking a dip, but according to Natuurpunt the recent rainy weather played a role in the smaller turnout.

As in previous years, the action was supported by a number of private companies and well-known Belgians, including Henk Rijckaert, Luc De Vos and Brigitta Callens. About 6,500 spectators encouraged the jumpers.

The Big Jump is an initiative of the European Rivers Network and is coordinated by Natuurpunt in Flanders, GoodPlanet Belgium and environmental protection agency Bond Beter Leefmilieu.