International Rivers

08/24/2026

Remembering Pato Segura
PATO SEGURA
1972–2026

A voice for the rivers of Patagonia

International Rivers mourns the loss of our friend and compañero, Patricio “Pato” Segura, journalist, environmental defender, and tireless voice for the rivers, communities, and territories of Patagonia.

Pato played a fundamental role in the movement that stopped HidroAysén and protected the Baker and Pascua rivers from five proposed dams. But his contribution went far beyond a single campaign. Through his journalism, organizing, and public advocacy, Pato helped change the way people understood Patagonia and challenged the idea that rivers and territories should be sacrificed in the name of development.

He understood that defending rivers was also about defending communities, democracy, and the right of people to decide the future of the places they call home.

Pato's voice, courage, and commitment left an indelible mark on the river movement in Chile and inspired people far beyond Patagonia.

We send our deepest condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and all those who walked alongside him in the struggle to protect Patagonia.

The rivers Pato fought for continue to flow. His voice continues in all of us who defend them.

Rest in peace, Pato.

08/21/2026

To protect a river, first we listen.👂

International Rivers and our partners are working alongside Mapuche-Pewenche communities in Alto Biobío, Chile, to help secure lasting protection for the Queuco River, one of the last healthy, free-flowing tributaries in the Biobío basin.

The Queuco sustains rich biodiversity, traditional livelihoods, and the deep cultural and spiritual bonds between Mapuche-Pewenche communities and their territory. While much of the wider Biobío basin has already been reshaped by hydropower development, the Queuco now faces growing pressure from water extraction, hydroelectric projects, and large-scale diversion proposals.

That's why, together with Earth Law Center, ONG Defensa Ambiental, Malen Leubü, Kayakimün, Coalición Ríos Protegidos, and local communities, we are supporting efforts to establish a Flow Reserve (Reserva de Caudal) for the river, a legal mechanism to safeguard part of its flow for ecosystems and community uses.

Read more about this process here: https://intlrv.rs/3SsqYo6

From August 6–8, activities in Butalelbún, Trapa Trapa, Malla Malla and Cauñicú brought this campaign directly into the territory. Through meetings, information-sharing and participatory mapping, community members identified places, memories and practices connected to the river.

Their perspectives are essential to the protection process: grounding it in the knowledge of those who know the Queuco best.

08/19/2026

On , we honor the volunteers, rescuers, and community members who gave their lives trying to protect others during dam disasters around the world. We remember those who were lost, the families left behind, and the communities whose lives were forever changed.

These tragedies should never have happened.
We remember.
Dam disasters are avoidable.

08/12/2026

The issue with the Dam and consultation with affected communities continues.

Today’s highlights the inconsistencies in the consultation process and the concerns raised by affected communities.

Read the full article here:

The Office of the Ombudsman has found that consultations undertaken for the proposed 860 megawatt Baynes hydropower dam do not satisfy the Environmental Management Act, and that...

08/12/2026

From August 6 to September 4, 2026, a group of athletes, community members and advocates are embarking on The Fraser River Challenge Expedition, traveling to build a public mandate for permanent protection.

Here is how they are moving: a Swim Relay with athletes and indigenous swimmers, followed by a 1,000 km Rivershed Walk plus canoes and rafts through the true scale of the Fraser.

The Fraser River sustains salmon, communities, and cultures across British Columbia, Canada, but it faces threats from habitat fragmentation and climate change. This expedition is about sparking conversation, telling stories, and uniting thousands of voices for .

Stand with the Fraser: sign the petition at https://fraserriverkeeper.ca/ to back permanent protection.

08/09/2026

The Fraser River, BC's Great Salmon Rivershed, is in crisis. Salmon populations are collapsing, habitat is being destroyed, and pollution keeps flowing in.

The Fraser Rivershed 30x30 Challenge is a bold plan to permanently protect 30% of the rivershed by 2030, up from just 17.6% today. It's Indigenous-led, in partnership with the Indigenous Stewardship Fund, and backed by public mobilization: a 1,375 km marathon swim, a 1,000 km Great Salmon Rivershed Walk, canoe journeys, and community events.

This is a legacy moment. Follow along and help protect it.

08/03/2026

A groundbreaking 20-article bill – PL 140-2026 – has been introduced in Colombia’s Congress to provide the legal framework and institutional mechanisms needed to strengthen rivers as subjects of rights.

Celebrated by environmental and social organizations alike, this initiative aims to fundamentally transform how our legal systems view our most vital ecosystems.

We hope more countries follow Colombia's lead to acknowledge that rivers aren't just resources, they are life! 🌊🇨🇴

07/31/2026

More than 2,000 OvaHimba and OvaTjimba community members from Namibia and Angola are calling for their rights to be respected before any decision is taken on the proposed Baynes Hydropower Project.

Join them in calling for Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC), meaningful consultation, transparency, protection of Indigenous lands and cultural heritage, and sustainable energy alternatives that do not come at the expense of people and rivers.

Sign the Petition here: https://bit.ly/KuneneRiver

07/30/2026

In the past 3 years, the Teesta River Basin has suffered a number of disasters from the 2023 Glacial Lake Outburst flood, the July 2024 flood, several major landslides and most recently, the methane blast at the tunnel of the under-construction Teesta VI dam that killed 25 workers.

The Affected Citizens of Teesta firmly believe that their forests, rivers and mountains must be protected not just for themselves, but also for those living downstream as well as the future generations who will depend on these fragile landscapes for their lives and livelihood.

So, join us and the ACT with all their supporters in calling for permanent protection of the last free-flowing stretch of the Teesta River! The march might be over, but their spirit to protect our rivers continues.

Please read our Statement of Solidarity on our website: https://www.internationalrivers.org/news/statement-of-solidarity-with-the-affected-citizens-of-teesta/

Pictures courtesy , Tashi Lepcha and International Rivers

07/17/2026

We are heartbroken by the loss of our friend and ally, Apollinaire Ngimbi. As President of IDEL, Apollinaire dedicated his life to justice for Congolese communities and leaves a lasting mark on our movement. We're grateful to have stood beside him, and we carry his work forward in his honor.

Rest in power, Apollinaire.