In 1985, a small group of volunteers formed International Rivers Network. Their vision was simple and yet remarkably ambitious: to develop a worldwide network to protect rivers and promote just and sustainable energy development.
For over 35 years, we have successfully supported river defenders as leaders in the global movement. Our work has included catalyzing the formation of the World Commission on Dams, a gold standard for water and energy planning, as well as convincing the world’s largest dam-builder, China’s Sinohydro, to adopt precedent-setting social and environmental policy.
In recognition of these achievements, International Rivers was awarded the 2013 MacArthur Award for Creative and Effective Institutions for “applying science, rigorous policy analysis, and strategic advocacy.”