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

Rivers for Recovery

NEW REPORT: Rivers for Recovery | Protecting rivers and rights of essential for a just and green recovery

The Rivers for Recovery report, by International Rivers and Rivers without Boundaries, provides an indicative list of destructive projects that are yet in the pipeline but could be stopped with forward-thinking on cheaper, cleaner options by governments; a chance to avoid crippling new debt in the post-pandemic recession. It also provides a detailed roadmap that not only calls for a moratorium on new dams in the economic recovery, but investments in alternatives and increasing efficiency of current dams, and commitments to protect critical biodiversity and the world’s remaining, free-flowing rivers.

Check it the report & sign the Declaration!

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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. 

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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.
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Latest News

PRESS RELEASE | Report: Rapid gains in giving rivers rights

PRESS RELEASE | Report: Rapid gains in giving rivers rights

Rulings loom as UNGA meets on biodiversity OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA—A new report by the Cyrus R. Vance Center for International Justice, Earth Law Center, and International Rivers finds that a movement to grant legal rights to rivers and nature is rapidly gaining momentum globally. The report examines how the ancient notion that nature possesses basic rights…

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PRESS RELEASE | Report: Stronger river protections vital to a green, just recovery

PRESS RELEASE | Report: Stronger river protections vital to a green, just recovery

Finds spate of new hydropower projects to be anything but “sustainable,” calls for an immediate moratorium Charts energy solutions that deliver sustainable jobs, better boost economies, reduce emissions, protect biodiversity Comes on the heels of an announcement that the world’s largest dam removal will proceed More than 225 organizations from 60 countries have signed a…

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