By: Deborah Moore, International Rivers Board Member Darryl Knudsen, Executive Director Michael Simon, former Senior Director of Strategy This article was originally featured on Truthout There’s some good news amid the grim global pandemic: At long last, the world’s largest dam removal is finally happening. The landmark agreement, which was finalized in November 2020 between farmers, tribes and…
Read MoreProtecting rivers and defending the rights of the communities that depend on them
Day of Action for Rivers 2021

Join us for the 2021 International Day of Action for Rivers! This year’s theme is centered around celebrating the Rights of Rivers.
Whether you are hosting your own event, looking to connect to one in your area, or interested in participating in our webinar on global efforts to protect rivers in these critical times – there are tons of ways to take action this year (in a covid safe way too).
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
Latest News
International Rivers stands in solidarity with the people affected by the 2021 Uttarakhand disaster
International Rivers expresses our sorrow and regret over the tragic loss of life and destruction in a disastrous flash flood affecting the Chamoli district and other parts of India’s Uttarakhand state on 7 February 2021. A wall of water and debris swept through the Himalayan valley and overtopped two hydropower dams, leaving at least 175…
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