International Rivers expresses its profound concern over yesterday’s passage of Bill 2159/21 in the Brazilian Congress, which guts key, longstanding procedures for environmental licensing. If signed into law by President Lula, this legislation would undo decades of progress that has been instrumental in limiting the environmental and social harms from extractive projects and infrastructure projects…
Read MoreProtecting rivers and defending the rights of the communities that depend on them

International Rivers Turns 40!
In 1985, a dedicated group of volunteers united around a shared vision to develop a worldwide network to protect rivers and promote just and sustainable energy options. Today, that movement is still going strong. Join us in celebrating the communities and partners who oppose destructive hydropower, protect rivers, and advocate for the rights of rivers and riverine communities.
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
Latest News
Communities Voice Support for Legal Protections for the Tapajós and Arapiuns Rivers
For centuries, Indigenous communities in the Tapajós River basin have fostered a spiritual connection to their river. “The Tapajós River is a precious river. It is a road, a source of life, of drinking and bathing. It is also a provider: There are tracajá, fish, all these animals that are very important to us,” Father…
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