International Rivers

What’s your favorite story of a river? ?? Share it below in the comments. At International Rivers, we believe that protecting rivers has never been more important. As Earth's natural cooling systems, rivers work with forests to regulate our planet's temperature. Yet only 3% of Earth's water is freshwater – and these precious arteries face mounting threats. But there's an even more fundamental reason to protect rivers: They deserve to exist for their own sake. They are living ecosystems with a right to flow freely and stay unpolluted. "The Mara?ón River is sacred because it is our life, the heart of our Amazon," says Mariluz, an Indigenous leader in Peru who understands what many have forgotten – rivers are our heritage, woven into our stories and very identity. Join us as we launch #RiversUniteUs, sharing stories of river defenders protecting these vital waterways for all of us. #ProtectRivers #Rivers

Rivers are the arteries of our planet. ?????? Rivers are the keepers of our stories. ??? Rivers are the thread that connects all communities. ?? Though they contain just a fraction of Earth's water, they sustain most life on land. This #Thanksgiving, we're deeply grateful to everyone working to ensure these waters flow freely for generations to come. ?? Join us in protecting these precious waters. #RiversProtection #ProtectOurRivers #WaterIsLife #Environmental #InternationalRivers #ThankfulForRivers? #Rivers Melina Selverston-Scher Chance Cutrano Evelyn Arce- Erickson Lisa Craig Gautier

Defending the Rights of the Paraguay River in Brazil. ?? Scroll to discover how International Rivers joined the 25th Upper Paraguay River March to honor the Day of the Paraguay River and advocate for its protection. ??♀? Traveling by river over 450 km across five municipalities, 93 participants came together to highlight the urgent threats facing this vital river—hydroelectric plants, agribusiness, mining, and the impacts of climate change, including the longest drought in 60 years. ?? Bella Montiel #RightsOfRivers #Pantanal #RightsOfNature #RioParaguai #ParaguaiRiver

Each visit to Santarém by the Tapajós River reaffirms our dedication to protecting one of the Amazon's most crucial lifelines. ?? International Rivers joined forces with the Tapajós Vivo Movement, engaging with local leaders and social organizations to push for stronger legal protections for the Tapajós. Through powerful discussions, we felt the urgent call to defend this river, was essential to both people and biodiversity. Together, we honor Tapajós as a river for life, not for death. ?? ?? Flávio Montiel/ International Rivers and Movimento Tapajós Vivo Read more at: https://intlrv.rs/3CqokXM #InternationalRivers #Tapajos #CoalizaoPelosRios #TapajosRiver #RightsofRivers

Historic Drought on the Tapajós River Devastates Communities ?? The Tapajós River, a lifeline in Brazil’s Amazon basin, is facing historically low levels due to an unprecedented drought. The authorities have declared a water scarcity emergency between Itaituba and Santarém—marking the first time such a declaration has been issued for this essential waterway. International Rivers received heart-wrenching images from the talented photographer, Araquem Alcantara, who is documenting the devastating impact on the ground. Communities depending on the Tapajós are grappling with immense challenges. River transport—a vital connection for supplies, commerce, and school access—is faltering. This crisis is far from isolated. With 58% of Brazil now affected by drought—its worst in 75 years—the urgency of addressing the climate crisis is clearer than ever. Read more at: https://intlrv.rs/3YJbKdA #TapajosVivo #Tapajos #SaveTapajos #ClimateCrisis #ProtectAmazon ?? @araquemoficial

Monti Aguirre, our Latin America Lead, shares her evaluation of #COP16Cali, Colombia From inspiring discussions on Indigenous water stewardship to historic wins like the legal recognition of the Mara?ón River, Monti emphasizes a critical gap: despite their vital role, rivers and freshwater ecosystems often remain overlooked in key decision-making processes. This calls for a stronger focus on safeguarding these essential lifelines. Read her new blog and join us in advocating for river rights.? ??? https://intlrv.rs/4egbIje Photos: @RiosProtegidos, OjoPúblico #COP16Colombia #PeaceWithNature

Democracy, like a river, needs constant protection to flow freely. In these challenging times, we must stand together to defend both democratic and environmental values. Read International Rivers' article today on why protecting democracy is essential for environmental justice. “(...) true democracy and environmental protection share the same fundamental principle: the voices of those most affected must be at the center of the decisions that impact their lives.” #USPresidentialElection2024 #USAElection2024 #DemocracyMatters

The Xayaburi Dam on the #Mekong River was promised to be "green" and "community-centered." 5 years later: Fish populations have crashed. River banks are eroding. Local farmers can't grow food. And developers want to build 7 MORE dams to send power all the way to Singapore. Mekong communities are fighting back to protect one of Asia's great rivers - and their way of life. But is anyone listening? Read this powerful op-ed on why Singapore's energy choices matter for millions of people along the Mekong ?? https://lnkd.in/e_3wskhq #MekongRiver #climatejustice #hydropower #JustEnergyTransition #humanrights #Xayaburi #InternationalRivers

This morning, Monti Aguirre, Latin America Lead of International Rivers highlighted the importance of collaboration among social movements and local communities in protecting biodiversity and nature. ?? She cited the legal victory for the Mara?ón to show the central role that Indigenous communities in particular play in defending nature. #COP16Colombia #PeaceWithNature

?? Breaking news: Peruvian court upholds rights for the Mara?ón ?? The Civil Court of Loreto has reaffirmed the legal rights of the Mara?ón River and its tributaries, marking an important step forward for Indigenous rights and environmental justice in Peru. ???? This ruling recognizes the Mara?ón River’s right to exist, flow, and remain free from harm, honoring the river's role in sustaining biodiversity and the Kukama people, who have long defended it. ?? This decision, spearheaded by the Huaynakana Kamatahuara Kana Federation—a Kukama women's organization—requires immediate protection measures from Petroperú to prevent further contamination. It also sets up watershed councils for sustainable river management. "This is more than just a victory for water; it’s a tribute to the resilience of the Kukama people," says Monti Aguirre, Latin America Manager of International Rivers. ?? Join us in celebrating this step toward a sustainable future and the rights of nature! ?? ?? Read the full press release in the link below. For more information: https://intlrv.rs/3Akel5y #RiosConDerechos #Mara?onUnSerVivo Earth Law Center