International Rivers celebrates 40 years of defending rivers and community rights.
“The worldwide pace of large dam construction is so rapid that unless effective action is taken within the next decade, almost all the world’s major rivers will be dammed.”
-International Dams Newsletter, Vol 1, #1.
Inspired by the wisdom and dedication of river protectors in the Global South, in 1985, a small but mighty group of activists united around a shared vision to develop a worldwide network to protect rivers and promote just and sustainable energy options. Aware that communities were rising to oppose destructive hydropower projects, International Rivers (then called the International Rivers Network), opened communications channels with local river activists in Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Europe. In 1989, we began to develop a staff of experienced activists trained in economics, biology, engineering, hydrology, anthropology, and environmental sciences. Today, our staff are located in all the regions where we work, and thanks to our many partners worldwide, the movement to protect rivers and advance renewable energy solutions is still going strong.
International Rivers is proud to mark our 40th anniversary and celebrate the communities and partners who oppose destructive hydropower, protect rivers, and advocate for the rights of rivers and riverine communities.
