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

Our World Heritage is Deeply Tied to Rivers and They Need Protection from Dams

Dams threaten not only biodiversity, food security, and livelihoods of fishing and farming communities but our collective World Heritage.

Civilizations grew up around rivers -it’s time to protect them.

Read one of our latest Opinion Editorial here.

#RiversUniteUs

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 ›