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

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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.
Explore Our Priority Areas

Latest News

BRAZIL | Press Release: More than 700 organizations release declaration against MP 1.154, an environmental setback and a weakening of regulatory bodies

Manifesto to Congress calls the changes “dismemberment of the environment” and calls on deputies and senators to reverse in plenary the setbacks approved yesterday Representatives of civil society organizations (CSOs) sent a manifesto signed by 790 organizations to the leaders of Brazil’s National Congress criticizing the substitute for Provisional Measure 1.154, which was approved this…

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PRESS RELEASE | Historic triumph for the 140 communities of the Dulcepamba river basin: Ecuador reversed water authorization granted to Hidrotambo Dam

Spanish version here After almost 20 years of struggle, justice has finally arrived for the 140 communities of the Dulcepamba River basin. The Ministry of Environment, Water and Ecological Transition (MAATE) sent a notification on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, for the reversal of the water use authorization granted to the private hydroelectric company Hidrotambo S.A….

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