International Rivers

05/22/2026

Rivers, lakes and wetlands take up less than 1% of Earth's surface, yet sustain 10% of all known species — more biodiversity per square meter than any ocean or forest.

That richness is disappearing. Freshwater biodiversity has declined 85% since 1970 — the steepest fall of any ecosystem on the planet.

Healthy, aren't just vital arteries for ecosystems and communities. They're irreplaceable. On this International Day for Biological Diversity, join us in defending them. 🌊

05/21/2026

In April 2026, 20 women from across the Brahmaputra Basin came together to talk about the river and its basin because so much is changing. We must learn from each other and tell our stories.

Women’s voices remain largely absent from water governance conversations across the basin. That silence is not accidental. It is the result of choices, systems, and structures that must be changed.

We listened, we learned, we shared, we sang, we danced, we celebrated each other. We told stories of our lived experiences being riverine communities. And most importantly, we connected.

05/20/2026

Big news in the NY Times: 2025 saw a record-breaking year for dam removal in the U.S. — more than 100 dams removed, reconnecting nearly 5,000 miles of rivers. Cooler waters, returning salmon, restored ecosystems, thriving communities.

But this is only the beginning.

Around the world, tens of thousands of aging, risky dams are nearing the end of their operational lives, while communities increasingly confront their ecological, cultural, and economic impacts.

International Rivers is helping bring the dam removal movement global — working with partners to advance legal frameworks, river restoration strategies, and community-led pathways for removing obsolete dams and restoring free-flowing rivers.

Stay tuned to learn more!

Photo credit: Shane Anderson of Swiftwater Films

Read the full NYT article and join us in making a global movement: https://bit.ly/AmericatheUndammed

05/11/2026

Our 2025 Annual Report is now available! 🌍

Inside this year’s report:
Landmark victories for river protection
Community-led movements shaping global policy
Indigenous and women river defenders leading change
Global advocacy challenging destructive mega-dam financing

Forty years united for rivers. And we’re just getting started.

Read the full Annual Report now: https://intlrv.rs/2025annualreport

05/04/2026

In the May 2026 edition of Michelangelo Magazine Michelangelo Magazine , the in-flight magazine of Namibia’s national airline, Hans-Christian Mahnke shares how is working to protect Namibia’s rivers with the communities that depend on them.

As Hans highlights, decisions made far from riverbanks can shape entire ecosystems, livelihoods, and cultures.

Check the full content here:https://maiwsa.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/MA202605.pdf

04/23/2026

In April 2026, travelled to the Baynes Mountains in Namibia's Kunene Region. An overall majority of affected indigenous OvaHimba and OvaTjimba communities in Namibia say they have been left out of decision-making concerning the Baynes hydropower dam.

More than 600 ovaHimba and ovaTjimba gathered to speak with Namibia's Ombudsman, and representatives from the office of the Environmental Commissioner and the National Heritage Council about their concerns regarding the planned dam project on the transboundary Kunene river.

For many it was the first time ever engaging directly with a government delegation about their concerns related to the Baynes dam.

The community clearly articulated that meaningful participation, centering their rights, including Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) should be at the centre of decisions that affect their land and livelihoods.

04/23/2026

Healthy, free-flowing rivers have always been critical for people and the planet. From providing fresh water and supporting biodiversity to regulating the climate and sustaining cultural traditions.

But rivers worldwide are at risk – increasingly fragmented, polluted, and undermined by the impacts of climate change and irresponsible development projects. And when rivers are at risk, so are we and our collective future. Protecting our shared waters is our shared responsibility.

This year, on March 14, river defenders around the globe rallied behind this year’s theme of “Protect Rivers, Protect People”. Communities and collectives organized over 75 events in more than 25 countries around the world. Thousands of people raised their voices while celebrating their deep bonds with their rivers.

https://youtu.be/RQvb2VMQ6tI

2026 Day of Action | Thank you!

04/22/2026

Let it flow 🍃.

04/17/2026

International Rivers, alongside members and supporters of the Vietnam Climate Defenders Coalition, has joined this week in an open letter to the European Commission regarding the recent upgrade of diplomatic relations between the European Union and Vietnam. While the strengthened partnership signals growing cooperation on trade, climate, and energy, the letter raises urgent concerns about the shrinking civic space and increasing risks faced by environmental human rights defenders in the country.

The letter highlights systemic challenges affecting civil society in Vietnam and calls on the EU to ensure that its engagement is grounded in clear human rights safeguards, meaningful public participation, and accountability frameworks that support a truly just energy transition.

Read the full letter here: https://www.internationalrivers.org/news/open-letter-urges-eu-to-center-human-rights-in-a-strengthened-partnership-with-vietnam/