Mission

International Rivers' Mission

International Rivers' mission is to protect rivers and defend the rights of communities that depend on them. We oppose destructive dams and the development model they advance, and encourage better ways of meeting people’s needs for water, energy and protection from damaging floods. To achieve this mission, we collaborate with a global network of local communities, social movements, non-governmental organizations and other partners. Through research, education and advocacy, International Rivers works to halt destructive river infrastructure projects, address the legacies of existing projects, improve development policies and practices, and promote water and energy solutions for a just and sustainable world. The primary focus of our work is in the global South.

International Rivers' Vision

International Rivers seeks a world in which rivers and the ecosystems they support are valued, and the importance of the links between healthy environments and healthy societies are understood. We envision a world where development projects neither degrade nature nor impoverish people, and where all people have a voice in decisions affecting their lives and livelihoods.

International Rivers' Values

In striving to achieve its mission, International Rivers is guided by the following values:

• Collaboration: We see ourselves as a part of a global movement to protect river systems, and our colleagues as partners with whom we collaborate and consult to strengthen our collective efforts.
• Integrity: We conduct our work honestly, keep our commitments, and expect others to do the same.
• Accountability: We hold ourselves accountable to affected communities, donors, funders, partner groups, and the public at large, to act in accordance with our stated mission.
• Inclusiveness: We support open dialogue and decision-making that is transparent, inclusive and consultative.
• Courage: We recognize and accept the responsibility to act on our mission even under difficult circumstances, and to confront our adversaries openly. We do however carefully assess risks to the personal safety of staff and seek to avoid putting staff members in dangerous situations.
• Accuracy: We are committed to rigorous research and analysis, providing accurate information, and basing our work on the best available evidence.
• Creativity: We are willing to challenge prevailing models and to seek new, imaginative ways to maximize our effectiveness, both internally and externally.