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

NEW REPORT: Advancing Ecological Civilization?

Advancing an Ecological Civilization? report

Check out our new report, “Advancing Ecological Civilization” covering the two largest hydropower giants and their #biodiversity footprints.

Two hydropower giants account for over half of the world’s dams.

Hydropower threatens global biodiversity and our ability to survive.

Rivers are vital to maintaining and restoring biodiversity and halting the #BiodiversityCrisis.

Find out more: www.HydroBiodiversityImpact.org

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. 

See how we work ›

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

Expert Interview: Dipti Vaghela Explains How Community-based Micro-Hydropower is a People Empowerment Energy Solution

Expert Interview: Dipti Vaghela Explains How Community-based Micro-Hydropower is a People Empowerment Energy Solution

While our work at International Rivers focuses on fighting mega dams and destructive hydropower, we know that not all hydropower is the same nor bad for the environment.  In fact, community-based hydropower — such as pico, micro, and mini hydro — has provided socio-economic and environmental benefits to thousands of off-grid communities in the Asia…

Read More
International Rivers Congratulates Communities from Temacapulin, Palmarejo and Acasico.

International Rivers Congratulates Communities from Temacapulin, Palmarejo and Acasico.

After 16 years of a fight led mainly by women activists, Mexican communities halted the Zapotillo Dam System, stopping the project of flooding their ancestral lands.  For the past 16 years, three small Mexican communities – Temacapulin, Palmarejo and Acasico in Jalisco State- have been struggling against construction of the Zapotillo Dam System, a megaproject…

Read More
See More News