On March 14, 2026, communities worldwide will come together for the 29th Day of Action for Rivers. We invite you to join us on this day of celebration to honor rivers, the communities that defend them, and their critical importance to sustaining all life on our planet. The theme of this year's International Day of Action for Rivers is Protect Rivers, Protect People. We’ll shine a spotlight on the role of rivers in supporting our planet’s health and all life on Earth. 

At a time of intensifying climate impacts and global crises, when both people and planet face enormous threats to life and liberty, it is our collective responsibility to protect our shared waters. This has never been more urgent than it is today. Rivers are life-giving systems. Without them, our health, food security, livelihoods, and communities are at risk. We cannot survive or thrive without healthy rivers.

Protecting rivers is not only about safeguarding human well-being; it is about defending biodiversity, strengthening climate resilience, and securing a just and livable future for generations to come. The International Day of Action for Rivers is a day of solidarity – when diverse communities unite with one voice to proclaim that rivers and the rights of communities who depend on them matter. By taking action on behalf of rivers, we affirm that we have the power to protect rivers and ensure that communities have access to clean, free-flowing water and the right to participate in decisions directly affecting rivers, and ultimately, their lives. 

The Day of Action was the brainchild of river defenders who gathered at the first International Meeting of Dams Affected Peoples in March 1997, hosted by the Movement of Dam Affected Peoples from Brazil. Since then, thousands of events have taken place around the world. 

Join the movement by taking action for rivers on March 14. Whether it’s attending an event hosted by an International Rivers partner, or organizing your own -- a river clean-up, rafting or kayaking on your favorite river, performing river ceremonies and water rituals, engaging in digital campaigns, or any other action needed in your community – we want to hear about it! 

If you have a planned event,  please fill out the information below so we can add it to our interactive map. After the event, please send any photos or post-event materials you want to share to dayofaction@internationalrivers.org.