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

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Welcoming new members to our team!

We are excited to announce two new members to our International River team – Isabella Winkler, Director of Philanthropy, and Bonnie Barclay, Communications Manager! We are thrilled to have their expertise on our team as we work together to uplift the movement to protect rivers and the rights of communities who depend on them!
Learn more about Bonnie and Isabella here:

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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.

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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

A global call to action on the situation in Myanmar
Human Rights

A global call to action on the situation in Myanmar

March 30, 2021 We stand with our partners and friends in Myanmar. We mourn the tragic loss of life and condemn the brutal violence and unimaginable terror they are facing. We applaud their incredible courage.  We urge the international and business community to take immediate action to support the brave people of Myanmar in their…

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International Rivers Joins Call To Enforce Ruling That Protects The Dulcepamba River and Small Farmers in Ecuador
Andes

International Rivers Joins Call To Enforce Ruling That Protects The Dulcepamba River and Small Farmers in Ecuador

By Emily Conrad, Dulcepamba River, Ecuador On the western slope of the Andes in Ecuador, 140 campesino and indigenous communities have been resisting activities of the hydroelectric company, Hidrotambo S.A., since 2004. Complicit government agencies have allowed the company to monopolize the water in the ~500 square kilometer Dulcepamba River basin, decimate the River’s aquatic life, destroy private property, criminalize community leaders,…

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