Rivers and watersheds seldom adhere to national boundaries. Since our founding in 1985, International Rivers has worked to build the international movement of dam-affected peoples, NGOs and academics who work to stop destructive dams, protect rivers, defend community rights and advance truly sustainable solutions at the confluence of water and energy policy.
Our regional and international networks have become some of the most effective and sustained civil society movements in the world, representing the interests of the estimated 10% of humanity that has been directly impacted by dams.
Our most notable victories for river protections have been collective achievements, strengthened through diversity, and the result of strong and interconnected movements.
Our Work to Build Connections Across the Movement
Our work to support movements has been most visible through our three “Rivers for Life” meetings, the river defender gathering in 2017, and the Women and Rivers Congress in 2019. All these events have brought together river activists from around the world and created the foundation for the global movement for rivers going forward.
Our ongoing work to support movements looks different in each region, specific to political and social contexts. We work with partners and allies to articulate a shared agenda. We prioritize guidance from, and solidarity with, indigenous and ethnic minority networks, as well as inclusive strategies that ensure that women and men have equal opportunity to engage in networks and take on leadership roles.
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Rivers for Life (2010)
Rivers for Life 3: the Third International Meeting of Dam-Affected People and Their Allies was held from October 1-7, 2010 in Temacapulín, Mexico. Hundreds of representatives from dam-affected communities, NGOs and other groups from across the globe gathered to share experiences, develop collective strategies and strengthen the international movement to protect rivers and human rights.
Latest News
- Water For All! Highlights from the 27th International Day of Action for Rivers
On March 14th, people all over the world gathered to protect and celebrate rivers for the 27th annual International Day of Action for Rivers. This year, we recorded over 110 events in more than 40 countries with thousands of people celebrating their rivers, and uniting against dams, water diversions and pollution in multiple ways. You … Read more - Protect Rivers, Support Women: Unleashing the Success of the Women and Rivers Accelerator
Three thousand miles apart, Nirmala’s and Violet’s experience led them both to the same calling: to protect the rivers in their communities. Growing up on a farm in rural Kenya without electricity, Violet Matiru developed a love of nature and the drive to fight its degradation early on. She began her environmental work with elephant … Read more - Rivers Unite Us! Highlights of the 26th Anniversary Day of Action for Rivers
By Bonnie Barclay, Global Communications Manager for International Rivers On March 14th for the 26th annual International Day of Action for Rivers, people all over the world gathered to protect and celebrate rivers. The International Day of Action Against Dams and For Rivers, Water and Life was adopted by the participants of the first international … Read more - Brumadinho: Three years since the collapse of the Córrego do Feijão tailings dam, the worst dam disaster in the world in the last decade
From International Rivers Latin America Team The worst dam disaster in the world in the last decade. This January 25, 2022 marks three years since the collapse of the Córrego do Feijão tailings dam, in Brumadinho, Brazilian city. Check the exclusive Photo Gallery that International Rivers and MAB (Movement Of People Affected by Dams – … Read more