International Rivers Wins Prestigious MacArthur Foundation Award

Date: 
Thursday, February 28, 2013

International Rivers Wins Prestigious MacArthur Foundation Award

Organization Recognized for its Extraordinary Creativity and Effectiveness

Berkeley, USA: International Rivers is one of only 13 nonprofit organizations around the world to win this year’s MacArthur Award for Creative and Effective Institutions. The award, which was announced today, recognizes exceptional grantees who have demonstrated creativity and impact. The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation sees this sizable one-time grant as an investment in International Rivers' long-term effectiveness.   

In Asia, Africa and Latin America, International Rivers works to protect rivers and human rights threatened by some of the world’s most destructive dam projects. At the same time, the organization promotes sustainable alternatives to meet people's energy and water needs. International Rivers also works to address the underlying drivers of big dams. Applying science, rigorous policy analysis and strategic advocacy, the organization assists partners across the globe in defending rivers and community rights and works to strengthen the social and environmental policies of institutions involved in funding and building dams.

"If we think of forests as the lungs of the planet, then rivers most surely are the arteries of the planet. They nourish ecosystems and communities. Yet these arteries are being clogged by destructive big dams. International Rivers has worked for over 25 years to support communities fighting these misguided projects and to propose better alternatives for meeting energy and water needs. We are thrilled to receive the prestigious MacArthur Award, which will help us build the global movement for rivers and rights, strengthen our regional offices, and ultimately advance a just and sustainable approach to development," said Jason Rainey, Executive Director of International Rivers.

"From New York to New Delhi, these extraordinary organizations are making a real difference in the lives of people and communities," said MacArthur President Robert Gallucci. "MacArthur recognizes their importance and impact, and we hope our investment will help ensure that they continue to thrive and to increase their reach in the future."

International Rivers will use its $750,000 MacArthur Award for Creative and Effective Institutions to build its reserves, strengthen regional offices in Asia, Africa and South America, and expand global awareness and support for the movement for healthy rivers and human rights.

According to the MacArthur Foundation, the Award is not only recognition for past leadership and success, but also an investment in the future. For these Awards, the Foundation does not seek or accept nominations. To qualify, organizations must demonstrate exceptional creativity and effectiveness; have reached a critical or strategic point in their development; show strong leadership and stable financial management; have previously received MacArthur support; and engage in work central to one of MacArthur’s core programs.

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Media contacts: 

Jason Rainey, Executive Director, +44 7583 493 072, jrainey@internationalrivers.org (in London)
Aviva Imhof, Campaigns Director, +1 510 717 4745, aviva@internationalrivers.org (in California)