Take Action for Rivers 2011

Be Inspired, Get Creative, Take Action!

Harness the Creative Power of Our Global Movement for Rivers and Rights

On March 14, 2011 unite with communities around the world and take part in the fourteenth Annual International Day of Action Against Dams and For Rivers, Water and Life. Be inspired to hold your own creative action: Express your love for rivers through music and dance, speak out against human rights violations with paintings and photographs, and call for a better energy and water management model through poetry and words. Add your voice to this expanding international movement.

Kayak activists in Spain, part of COAGRET’s weekend of actions.
Kayak activists in Spain, part of COAGRET’s weekend of actions.

We have seen many milestones in the movement for rivers and rights. Groups worldwide celebrated the tenth anniversary of the World Commission on Dams (WCD) by calling on their governments to reaffirm and uphold the WCD principles that respect human rights and the environment. In October, hundreds of grassroots activists gathered in Temacapulín, Mexico for the 3rd International Meeting of Dam Affected People and Their Allies. The meeting reinforced just how global the movement has become, with participants from Iran, Kenya, Thailand and beyond. More than 300 dam-affected community members, NGO representatives and experts met to share experiences, discuss creative campaigning strategies and connect with those fighting to protect their rivers and livelihoods. The message of Rivers for Life 3: We Are Not Alone. It is when we come together that we truly feel the strength and power of this movement. 

Participants at First International Meeting of Dam-Affected People march against dams
Participants at First International Meeting of Dam-Affected People march against dams

Thirteen years ago, in Curitiba, Brazil, the final declaration from the First International Meeting of Dam-Affected People and Their Allies stated: "To symbolize our growing unity, we declare that the 14th of March, the Brazilian Day of Struggles Against Dams, will from now on become the International Day of Action Against Dams and for Rivers, Water, and Life."

And now, it is with a renewed feeling of community and solidarity that we approach this year's International Day of Action for Rivers. March 14 is a perfect time to harness the creative powers of our collective movement; to build on the strength of Rivers for Life 3, and all of our struggles and successes.

Rivers for Life, Not for Death!
¡Ríos Para la Vida, No Para la Muerte!
Les Rivières Pour la Vie, Non Pas Pour la Mort!
Rios Para a Vida, Não Para a Morte!
河流,生命之源,"坝"占意味死亡!

Please send us photos, videos and documentation of your events. Any question please email dayofaction@internationalrivers.org. We look forward to hearing from you.

British Columbia, Vancouver - protest banner
British Columbia, Vancouver - protest banner