March 11, 2025 – From providing fresh water and supporting biodiversity to regulating the climate and sustaining cultural traditions, healthy, free-flowing rivers are critical for people and the planet. But rivers worldwide are at risk–increasingly fragmented, polluted, and undermined by climate change and irresponsible development projects. On March 14, thousands of river defenders across five continents will launch a series of actions for the 28th International Day of Action for Rivers. The actions will draw attention to the role of rivers in supporting our planet’s health and frontline communities. The 2025 map of activities is available here (and is being updated as more actions are registered).
“We are thrilled to be launching our 28th annual International Day of Action for Rivers,” said Isabella Winkler, Co-Executive Director of International Rivers. “Healthy rivers and access to clean water are fundamental human rights that connect us all. But today, only a small fraction of our planet’s rivers flow freely, and our rapidly escalating climate crisis, exacerbated by irresponsible mega-dams, threatens these vital arteries. The International Day of Action for Rivers affirms that we have the power to protect rivers and ensure that communities have access to clean, free-flowing water and the right to participate in decisions directly affecting rivers, and ultimately, their lives.”
This year’s theme, “Our Rivers, Our Future,” highlights the importance of rivers to all life on Earth, now and for generations to come. Whether communities are working to remove dams, oppose water privatization, or have a say in riverine development, the event highlights the collective action needed to protect rivers because the future of every river shapes the future of our planet.
The International Day of Action Against Dams and For Rivers, Water and Life was adopted by the Movement of People Affected by Dams (MAB), International Rivers, and the other participants of the first International Meeting of People Affected by Dams in March 1997 in Curitiba, Brazil. Representatives from 20 countries agreed that the International Day of Action would take place on March 14 – Brazil’s Day of Action Against Large Dams. Since then, activities protecting and celebrating rivers have taken place every year worldwide. Last year’s International Day of Action for Rivers saw over 100 events in over 40 countries.
International Rivers, is a global NGO that has been protecting rivers and defending the rights of the communities that depend on them for 40 years. Alongside partners worldwide, International Rivers has been coordinating the International Day of Action for Rivers since 1997 as an annual event that has served as a global platform for communities, organizations, and individuals to come together in solidarity to advocate for the protection and preservation of our world’s rivers.