The International Day of Action for Rivers is a day dedicated to solidarity – when diverse communities worldwide come together with one voice to affirm that rivers are vital and need our protection. It underscores the significance of ensuring communities’ access to clean, free-flowing water and emphasizes the fundamental right for all to participate in decisions concerning their water and lives. Now, more than ever, it is our collective duty to advocate for these rights and protect our rivers.
We’re celebrating the 27th Anniversary of this Day for Rivers by also highlighting how critical access to water is in all our lives. This year’s theme focuses on “Water for All”. Whether your community is tackling water rights, clean water access, fighting against dams, water grabs, and water privatization or removing dams and restoring rivers and fish migration, we know water is life and is meant for all.
Civilizations grew up around rivers, and they are central to our lives and the survival of life on earth. Although freshwater ecosystems are so important, they are the most threatened in the world; freshwater species have seen an 83% decline since 1970 – twice the rate experienced within terrestrial or marine. They need our help – they need our voices. Speak out, defend, protect, restore, and be a river guardian.
2024 Day of Action for Rivers (events so far – register with link below to add your own!)
How to Join
- Plan an event in your area! Sign up here (form in English, also in Français, Portuguese or Spanish) if you would like us to share information about it.
- Use the Day of Action logos posted at the bottom of this page, or create your own art for your action!
- Post questions, updates, and calls to action on the Day of Action for Rivers Facebook page. Share the page with your friends.
- Sign up to receive email updates about Day of Action emails and other international rivers news.
- Report back! Send photos and descriptions of your actions to dayofaction@internationalrivers.org.
Past Actions
In 2023, we recorded an astonishing 70+ events in over 30 countries! There was everything from organized river cleanups, online webinars, river walks, and paddleboard celebrations! This is true from Bangladesh to Guam, from Germany to Nigeria. The outpouring of activity – the variety, diversity, and passion of our movement – is truly an inspiration. Even in these challenging times, you have made your voices heard.
Photo Collection (2021)
2021 Global Day of Action Map
Check out the 2021 Global Day of Action Map to see what events are happening in your region! If you would like to add your event to the map register it here.
This past International Day of Action for Rivers on March 14, 2020, thousands of river stewards, defenders, and allies took action both in-person and online. Despite the health and safety challenges faced by many countries around the world with the COVID-19 pandemic, over 50 direct actions were registered across 23 countries/nation-states with hundreds more joining in via social media and digital outreach.
The outpouring of solidarity with #RiversUniteUs during this time is a testament to the commitment of so many communities and individuals around the world to protecting vital freshwater.
We cannot express our gratitude for these river defenders and stewards enough. In this time of collective uncertainty, they remind us of exactly what is needed – a vision for a healthy future. One in which human and natural life are joined by principles of reciprocity and respect. Where our water sources are protected as our lifeblood. And where the voices of indigenous, and local communities, women, and other marginalized groups are at the forefront.
Read more and check out photos from Day of Action for Rivers events below.
History
The International Day of Action Against Dams and For Rivers, Water and Life was adopted by the participants of the first International Meeting of People Affected by Dams, March 1997 in Curitiba Brazil. Representatives from 20 countries decided that the International Day of Action would take place on March 14 – Brazil’s Day of Action Against Large Dams. Our aim on this International Day of Action for Rivers, is to raise our voices in unison against destructive water development projects, reclaim the health of our watersheds, and demand the equitable and sustainable management of our rivers.
Logos
To add to your outreach materials!
