The annual Day of Action for Rivers is a day dedicated to solidarity – when diverse communities around the world come together with one voice to say that our rivers matter.

That communities having access to clean and flowing water matters. That everyone should have a say in decisions that affect their water and their lives. That it’s our time to stand up for these rights, now more than ever. The theme of 2025 International Day of Action for Rivers is ‘Our Rivers, our Future’. Together we’ll shine a spotlight on the role of rivers to support our planet’s health and all life on Earth. We unite with communities worldwide who champion free-flowing rivers, protect water rights, and advocate for local voices in river management. Whether communities are working to remove dams, oppose water privatization, or have a say in riverine development, we rise together—because the future of every river shapes the future of our planet. Civilizations grow around rivers; they are central to our lives and the survival of life on Earth. But despite their importance, freshwater ecosystems are the most threatened in the world. Freshwater species have seen an 83% decline since 1970 – twice the rate experienced within terrestrial or marine environments. They need our help. Speak out, defend, protect, restore, and be a river guardian.

Links:
Day of Action for Rivers

World Rivers Day / Wereld Rivieren Dag