Join Us for the 28th International Day of Action for Rivers on March 14, 2025

Rivers are the lifeblood of our planet, providing fresh water, supporting biodiversity, and sustaining communities. However, rivers worldwide face increasing threats from pollution, environmental changes and unsustainable development. Protecting and restoring these vital waterways is crucial to ensuring a sustainable future for both people and the natural environment. 

March 14, 2025, marks the 28th International Day of Action for Rivers, an annual event that unites communities, activists, and organizations worldwide in a shared commitment to protect and restore rivers. This year's theme, "Our Rivers, Our Future", highlights the essential role that healthy, free-flowing rivers play in maintaining our planet’s ecological balance and supporting life on Earth. 

Why This Day Matters 

Freshwater ecosystems are among the most threatened on Earth, with freshwater species populations declining by 83% since 1970 twice the rate of loss seen in terrestrial or marine environments. Rivers sustain life, and when they are threatened, so too is our collective future. The International Day of Action for Rivers is a time to raise awareness, advocate for sustainable water policies, and take meaningful action to protect these vital resources. 

How You Can Get Involved 

The International Day of Action for Rivers is a call to action for individuals, organizations, and communities to come together in support of river conservation. Here’s how you can participate: 

• Plan or Attend an Event: Join or organize a local event, such as a river cleanup, educational workshop, or advocacy campaign.  
• Spread the Word: Use the official Day of Action logos and create your own artwork to raise awareness about river conservation. 
• Engage in Advocacy: Write to policymakers, support legislation that protects rivers, and educate others about the importance of sustainable water management. 
• Share Your Actions: Document your efforts and share photos and stories at dayofaction@internationalrivers.org to inspire others and showcase the global impact of river conservation efforts. 

Join the Movement 

Rivers connect us all, and their health is fundamental to our future. By participating in the International Day of Action for Rivers, you join a global movement dedicated to protecting freshwater resources and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come. 

Past Successes & Global Impact 

In 2024, more than110 events were recorded across 40 countries. Participants engaged in a variety of actions, including river cleanups, letter-writing campaigns, social media advocacy, and community celebrations. These efforts demonstrated the power of collective action in protecting and restoring rivers worldwide. 

Read the full 2024 report and 2023 report to learn more about past successes and get inspired for this year’s event. 

A Look Back: The History of the International Day of Action for Rivers 

The International Day of Action Against Dams and For Rivers, Water, and Life was established in 1997 at the first International Meeting of People Affected by Dams in Curitiba, Brazil. Representatives from 20 countries decided that March 14 would be recognized globally as a day to stand in solidarity against destructive water development projects and advocate for equitable and sustainable river management. 

Take action today! On International Day of Action for Rivers we ask that you consider the role you can play in promoting clean waterways. A great way to do this is to sign up as a volunteer with South Carolina Adopt-a-Stream (SC AAS). 

For more information on the SC AAS program and to sign up for the newsletter, visit  scadoptastream.org.