International Rivers' Strategic Plan 2018-2022

Our Rivers, Our Water Future: 2018-2022 Strategic Plan

Water is essential for life on earth. But for too long, river and water defenders – people who’ve dedicated their lives to protecting our most precious resource – have labored in obscurity, starved of resources, and often facing persecution for their courageous work.

As a result, our waterways have been polluted, neglected and fragmented, transformed from vibrant, connected ecosystems that support humans and wildlife alike to stagnant dead zones.

Healthy rivers feed our most vulnerable people, sustain some of our most diverse ecosystems, protect us from floods and droughts, and are central to the cultural identity of so many people around the world. It’s time to galvanize policymakers to understand the critical importance of rivers – and to finally make firm commitments to protect them.

Our 2018-2022 Strategic Plan details six goals that will help us realize our vision for healthy rivers and river communities. By securing lasting protections for the world’s rivers, we can realize our vision for healthy rivers that sustain life and the communities that depend on them. 

Don't have time to read the full Strategic Plan? Read the brief introduction here!