Protecting rivers and defending the rights of the communities that depend on them

GLOBAL WEBINAR | April 7th, 2026

Restoring Free-Flowing Rivers

Our Rivers, Our Water Future

Since 1985, International Rivers has been at the heart of the global movement to ensure river-dependent communities’ voices are heard and their rights are respected.

Our Approach

Rivers are the arteries of the earth, supporting the highest rate of biodiversity compared to any other ecosystem and providing for the livelihoods of millions of local, indigenous and traditional peoples. Rivers are also under extreme threat, with less than 10% of the world’s river basins protected.

International Rivers strengthens movements of communities and civil society at the forefront of defending rivers by:

Undertaking investigative research to generate robust data and evidence to inform policies and campaigns.
Remaining independent and fearless in campaigning to expose and resist destructive projects.
Developing a vision that protects rivers and the communities that depend upon them.

Our Impact

0 Number of community groups, movements, and civil society organizations we have partnered with to provide campaign and advocacy support.
0 Destructive river projects delayed or stopped, resulting in millions of people retaining access to their traditional lands and livelihoods.
$ 0 B Funds (USD) channeled away from investment in destructive projects, toward sustainable and just alternatives.
Explore Our Priority Areas

Latest News

Open letter urges EU to center human rights in a strengthened partnership with Vietnam

Open letter urges EU to center human rights in a strengthened partnership with Vietnam

International Rivers, alongside members and supporters of the Vietnam Climate Defenders Coalition, has joined this week in an open letter to the European Commission regarding the recent upgrade of diplomatic relations between the European Union and Vietnam. While the strengthened partnership signals growing cooperation on trade, climate, and energy, the letter raises urgent concerns about…

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