Congo Basin Forest Partnership (CBFP)

• Rivers Protected: Congo River.

• Focus: The Congo Basin Forest Partnership works to protect the Congo River and its surrounding ecosystems, which are vital for biodiversity, climate regulation, and water resources. They work to prevent deforestation, illegal logging, and overexploitation of natural resources that affect river health.

The Nile Basin Initiative (NBI)

• Rivers Protected: Nile River.

• Focus: The NBI is an intergovernmental partnership focused on promoting cooperative development and management of the Nile River Basin. They work on water sharing agreements among the Nile Basin countries, sustainable water use, and the protection of river ecosystems from pollution and overuse.

Wetlands International Africa

• Rivers Protected: Niger River, Okavango River, Limpopo River.

• Focus: Wetlands International focuses on protecting wetlands and river systems that are critical to biodiversity, especially in the context of Africa’s freshwater systems. Their work involves advocating for the protection of river deltas and wetlands, which are vital for water filtration, habitat provision, and carbon sequestration.

Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL)

• Rivers Protected: Various rivers across Africa (especially those threatened by hydroelectric projects).

• Focus: SEforALL promotes sustainable energy solutions, including renewable energy. They work on ensuring that the development of hydropower projects does not harm river ecosystems or local communities. SEforALL advocates for responsible development practices that take into account both energy needs and environmental preservation.

Key Rivers of Focus in Africa:

1. Nile River: The Nile River is one of the most iconic and important rivers in Africa, flowing through multiple countries. Conservation efforts focus on preventing pollution, managing water usage sustainably, and ensuring cooperative agreements among the countries that rely on its waters. The Nile Basin Initiative is a key player in these efforts.

2. Congo River: The Congo River is the second-longest river in Africa and one of the most biodiverse. It faces threats from overfishing, illegal logging, and hydroelectric projects. The Congo Basin Forest Partnership and the African Wildlife Foundation are involved in its protection.

3. Zambezi River: The Zambezi River is home to important ecosystems and provides water for millions of people. Conservation efforts focus on dam management, water quality, and ensuring that the river’s biodiversity is protected. The Zambezi River Authority plays a significant role in managing the river.

4. Limpopo River: Flowing through southern Africa, the Limpopo River is under pressure from mining, water diversion, and pollution. WWF Africa and other organizations focus on protecting the Limpopo's ecosystems and promoting sustainable water management.

5. Okavango River: The Okavango Delta, where this river ends, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s largest inland deltas. Conservation efforts focus on protecting the river from over-extraction, pollution, and the impacts of climate change. The Nature Conservancy and other groups are involved in these efforts.

6. Niger River: The Niger River is one of the longest rivers in West Africa. It supports millions of people but faces threats from pollution, overfishing, and damming. Conservation efforts aim to improve water quality, restore ecosystems, and prevent unsustainable water use.

7. Orange River: The Orange River flows through southern Africa and is a key water source. WWF and other organizations work on improving river management, reducing pollution, and ensuring the sustainability of water resources.

8. Senegal River: Flowing through West Africa, the Senegal River is important for agriculture and fisheries. Conservation efforts are focused on maintaining water quality and improving governance for sustainable water use.

International Rivers

• Rivers Protected: Mekong River, Salween River, and the Brahmaputra River.

• Focus: International Rivers works to protect river ecosystems and promote sustainable management of freshwater resources. It focuses on the impacts of dams, water diversion projects, and hydropower developments on the biodiversity and livelihoods of communities reliant on rivers. They also advocate for the rights of communities affected by these projects.

WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature)

• Rivers Protected: Yangtze River (China), Ganges-Brahmaputra River System (India, Bangladesh), Mekong River, and others.

• Focus: WWF engages in conservation of freshwater ecosystems and river habitats, particularly in the context of climate change and over-exploitation of resources. The organization works on ensuring sustainable management practices, ecosystem restoration, and mitigating the impacts of pollution and infrastructure projects on river ecosystems.

The Nature Conservancy (TNC)

• Rivers Protected: Indus River (Pakistan), Mekong River, and Yangtze River.

• Focus: TNC supports a range of water conservation initiatives that include improving watershed management, protecting aquatic habitats, and restoring rivers. They work with local communities and governments to ensure water security and to implement solutions for sustainable river management, with a strong emphasis on biodiversity protection.

Friends of the Earth (Asia Pacific)

• Rivers Protected: Mekong River, Salween River, and other Southeast Asian rivers.

• Focus: Friends of the Earth promotes the protection of rivers from harmful hydropower dams, water privatization, and pollution. They advocate for the rights of local communities, particularly indigenous groups, and support sustainable environmental policies.

Ganga Action Parivar

• Rivers Protected: Ganges River (India).

• Focus: This organization is dedicated to cleaning and protecting the Ganges, one of the most important and sacred rivers in India. They focus on reducing pollution, promoting sustainable development, and ensuring that water quality and biodiversity are maintained.

Key Rivers of Focus in Asia:

• Mekong River: The Mekong River is one of the most significant rivers in Southeast Asia, serving as a lifeline for millions of people. Conservation groups are working to mitigate the effects of hydropower projects, pollution, and overfishing.

• Yangtze River: As the longest river in Asia, the Yangtze is critically important for China's economy, agriculture, and biodiversity. Efforts focus on controlling pollution, protecting endangered species, and improving water quality.

• Ganges River: Known for its religious significance, the Ganges is facing pollution challenges and efforts to clean the river are ongoing.

• Indus River: This river faces issues related to water scarcity, pollution, and mismanagement, with various organizations working on restoration and management strategies.

• Brahmaputra River: Conservationists focus on preserving the biodiversity of this river and managing flood risks, along with controlling the impact of dams.

• Salween River: The Salween River, running through Myanmar and Thailand, is at risk from hydropower development, and many conservation efforts focus on preserving its natural flow and ecosystem.

The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS)

• Rivers Protected: Ottawa River, Fraser River, and various rivers in Northern Canada.

• Focus: CPAWS is one of Canada’s leading environmental organizations, advocating for the protection of rivers and freshwater ecosystems. They work to establish protected areas, especially in the Canadian wilderness, and focus on watershed conservation and preserving habitat for wildlife along rivers. They have been involved in campaigns to protect rivers from the effects of industrial development and climate change.

Wildsight

• Rivers Protected: Columbia River, Kootenay River, and other rivers in British Columbia.

• Focus: Wildsight works in the Columbia Basin and the broader Kootenay region, focusing on the preservation of water quality, fish habitats, and wetlands along the region's rivers. They are involved in preventing pollution, promoting sustainable river management, and advocating for the protection of important river systems.

The David Suzuki Foundation

• Rivers Protected: Many rivers across Canada, with a focus on the Fraser, Peace, and Skeena Rivers.

• Focus: The David Suzuki Foundation is deeply involved in environmental conservation, including water protection and river health. They address the impacts of climate change, industrial development, and pollution on Canadian rivers and advocate for better river management policies.

Atlantic Salmon Federation (ASF)

• Rivers Protected: Miramichi River, Restigouche River, and other rivers in Atlantic Canada.

• Focus: ASF focuses on the conservation of Atlantic salmon populations and their habitats, particularly in the rivers of Eastern Canada. Their work includes advocating for cleaner waters, habitat restoration, and fighting against overfishing and industrial developments that affect the health of these river systems.

Key Rivers of Focus in Canada:

• Fraser River: One of the most critical rivers in British Columbia, home to a diverse range of wildlife and important fisheries. Conservation efforts focus on protecting salmon runs and maintaining water quality.

• Ottawa River: A major river in Eastern Canada, with efforts directed at pollution reduction and maintaining healthy aquatic ecosystems.

• Mackenzie River: The longest river in Canada, flowing through the northern territories. Conservation efforts focus on climate change impacts and preserving northern ecosystems.

• Columbia River: A transboundary river, flowing through British Columbia and the United States. Protection efforts include addressing the impacts of dams, water diversion, and pollution.

• Bow River: Located in Alberta, conservation efforts are focused on water quality and sustainable use of water resources in the region.

• Miramichi River: Known for its salmon population, the ASF works to ensure sustainable management and protection of this river system.

• Saskatchewan River: A major river in Saskatchewan, efforts focus on preserving water quality and protecting wetlands and riparian zones.

Rainforest Action Network

• Rivers Protected: Rivers in the Amazon Basin, particularly in Brazil and Peru.

• Focus: This organization focuses on protecting the Amazon's rivers by supporting the rights of Indigenous peoples, who rely on these rivers for survival. Their work includes preventing deforestation, halting the construction of harmful dams, and supporting local communities in river protection and sustainable management.

Fundación Natura (Ecuador)

• Rivers Protected: Amazon tributaries, including the Napo River.

• Focus: Fundación Natura focuses on the conservation of biodiversity in the Andean and Amazonian regions of Ecuador. Their projects include protecting rivers and the surrounding ecosystems from deforestation, mining, and unsustainable agriculture, ensuring that river basins maintain their ecological functions.

ProNatura

• Rivers Protected: The Grijalva River, Usumacinta River, and other rivers in southern Mexico.

• Focus: ProNatura works on river conservation and ecosystem restoration in Mexico, especially in regions facing threats from dams, pollution, and land degradation. Their initiatives include sustainable land-use practices, freshwater resource management, and community engagement to protect rivers.000000000

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Defensores del Agua (Mexico)

• Rivers Protected: The Atoyac River, among others.

• Focus: This organization focuses on the protection of freshwater resources in Mexico, particularly in areas that face severe water contamination. They work on river clean-ups, legal advocacy, and promoting sustainable water use practices to protect rivers and their surrounding ecosystems.

Key Rivers of Focus in Central and South America:

• Amazon River: The Amazon is the largest river in the world by discharge and has a massive basin home to diverse ecosystems and Indigenous communities. Conservation efforts focus on preventing deforestation, protecting aquatic species, and opposing destructive dam and mining projects.

• Orinoco River: Flowing through Venezuela and Colombia, the Orinoco is an important river for biodiversity and local communities. Conservation groups focus on its protection from pollution, habitat destruction, and the impact of oil extraction.

• Paraná River: Flowing through Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay, this river is vital for agriculture, fisheries, and biodiversity. The river faces threats from hydropower projects, deforestation, and water contamination.

• Río de la Plata: This estuarine river system between Argentina and Uruguay is under threat from pollution, industrial development, and climate change. The Nature Conservancy works on maintaining its health and ensuring sustainable water management.

• Usumacinta River: Flowing through Mexico and Guatemala, the Usumacinta River is a focus of conservation efforts due to its biodiversity and the pressures it faces from deforestation, damming, and water pollution.

• Grijalva River: Located in southern Mexico, the Grijalva River is at risk from industrial pollution and hydropower development, with conservation efforts focused on protecting its freshwater ecosystems and ensuring sustainable use.

• Napo River: A major tributary of the Amazon, located in Ecuador, the Napo River is threatened by oil exploration, deforestation, and hydropower development. Fundación Natura works to protect it and its surrounding rainforest.

European Rivers Network (ERN)

• Rivers Protected: Danube River, Rhine River, and many rivers across Europe.

• Focus: The ERN works to protect Europe's river ecosystems and promote sustainable water management policies. They advocate for the restoration of natural river systems, opposing large-scale dam projects, and the protection of freshwater biodiversity. ERN is actively involved in campaigns against river fragmentation caused by dams and other infrastructure.

Riverwatch

• Rivers Protected: Danube River, Drava River, Mura River, and other rivers in the Balkans and Southeast Europe.

• Focus: Riverwatch works to protect rivers and their ecosystems from the harmful effects of hydropower development and other large-scale projects. The organization is heavily involved in campaigns to halt the construction of dams and restore natural flow patterns in Europe’s rivers, particularly in the Balkans.

International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River (ICPDR)

• Rivers Protected: Danube River.

• Focus: The ICPDR is an intergovernmental body that brings together the countries of the Danube River Basin to coordinate efforts to protect the river’s ecosystem and improve water quality. The ICPDR focuses on pollution reduction, flood prevention, and maintaining biodiversity in the river basin.

Czech Society for Ornithology (CSO)

• Rivers Protected: Morava River, Oder River, and other rivers in Central Europe.

• Focus: CSO works to protect rivers in the Czech Republic and surrounding areas, focusing on the conservation of bird species dependent on riverine habitats. Their efforts include managing wetlands, ensuring river corridors are free of obstruction, and advocating for the restoration of natural ecosystems along rivers

Key Rivers of Focus in Europe:

• Danube River: The second-longest river in Europe, flowing through ten countries. It is a major focus for conservation due to its biodiversity, the impact of hydropower projects, and pollution threats. Organizations like Riverwatch and the ICPDR work to protect this vital waterway.

• Rhine River: Running through Switzerland, Germany, and the Netherlands, the Rhine has been heavily impacted by industrial pollution and river engineering. Conservation efforts focus on improving water quality and restoring natural habitats along the riverbanks.

• Vistula River: Poland's longest river, the Vistula faces threats from pollution, agriculture runoff, and dam construction. The Nature Conservancy works on improving river management and ecosystem restoration here.

• Elbe River: Flowing through the Czech Republic and Germany, the Elbe River is a focal point for environmental groups working to restore habitats, improve water quality, and protect its rich biodiversity.

• Po River: The longest river in Italy, the Po River is threatened by pollution, over-extraction, and climate change. The Nature Conservancy works on improving water quality and ecosystem restoration efforts in this river.

• Thames River: In the UK, the River Thames is important for both biodiversity and water supply. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is focused on improving the condition of the river’s surrounding habitats and wetlands.

Free Rivers Fund

Balkan River Defense

Save the Blue Heart Campaign

Protect the Dolores
Rig To Flip
Outdoor Alliance -TAKE ACTION!
Protect our Rivers
Colorado River Resilience

Alaska Conservation Foundation (ACF)

• Rivers Protected: Susitna River, Yukon River, Copper River, and others in Alaska.

• Focus: The ACF works on river conservation and the protection of Alaska's wild landscapes, including its rivers. They advocate for the protection of major Alaskan rivers from damming, industrial development, and the impacts of climate change. Their focus is on preserving the pristine conditions of Alaska's freshwater ecosystems, which are vital for local communities, wildlife, and fishing industries.

The Alaska Wilderness League

• Rivers Protected: Arctic National Wildlife Refuge rivers, including the Porcupine River, and other rivers in Alaska.

• Focus: This organization is dedicated to protecting Alaska's wilderness areas and the rivers that flow through them. They are particularly focused on the protection of rivers in the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions from the impacts of oil exploration, mining, and climate change. Their campaigns focus on preserving these rivers for wildlife, Indigenous communities, and future generations.

The Columbia Riverkeeper

• Rivers Protected: Columbia River.

• Focus: The Columbia Riverkeeper works to protect the Columbia River, the largest river in the Pacific Northwest, from pollution, over-extraction, and destructive development. They advocate for clean water, sustainable river management, and the restoration of river habitats, particularly in regard to fish populations like salmon.

Kootenai River Network

• Rivers Protected: Kootenai River.

• Focus: The Kootenai River Network works on the conservation and restoration of the Kootenai River, which flows through Montana, Idaho, and British Columbia. They focus on restoring the river’s ecosystem, improving water quality, and supporting native fish populations like sturgeon and salmon.

Yukon River Inter-Tribal Watershed Council (YRITWC)

• Rivers Protected: Yukon River.

• Focus: The YRITWC is a non-profit organization that represents more than 70 Indigenous governments in the Yukon River Basin. They focus on the restoration and protection of the Yukon River and its tributaries, which are crucial for the region’s Indigenous peoples. Their work includes monitoring water quality, advocating for sustainable practices, and protecting the river from contamination and industrial development.

Friends of the River

• Rivers Protected: American River, Merced River, and other rivers in California.

• Focus: Friends of the River is focused on the protection of California's rivers, particularly those in the Sierra Nevada and Central Valley. They work to stop harmful dam projects, promote river restoration, and fight against water diversions that threaten river ecosystems.

Key Rivers of Focus in the U.S. and Alaska:

• Colorado River: This iconic river, which runs through several Western states, is under threat from water diversion, over-extraction, and drought due to climate change. Organizations like American Rivers and TNC work to manage the river’s water sustainably and protect its ecosystems.

• Mississippi River: The Mississippi is one of the longest and most important rivers in the U.S., facing pollution and habitat destruction. American Rivers, NWF, and others focus on improving water quality and restoring wetlands and floodplains along the river.

• Columbia River: The Columbia River is vital for both agriculture and the fishing industry, particularly for salmon. Conservation groups such as the Columbia Riverkeeper work on preserving water quality and restoring fish habitats.

• Snake River: Known for its salmon populations, the Snake River in the Pacific Northwest is threatened by dams and pollution. Wild Salmon Center and American Rivers focus on dam removal and the restoration of fish habitats.

• Yukon River: Flowing through Alaska and Canada, the Yukon is crucial for Indigenous communities and wildlife. YRITWC works to protect the river from pollution and the impacts of climate change.

• Susitna River: A major river in Alaska, facing threats from damming and industrial development. ACF and other Alaskan organizations are working to prevent these threats and preserve its natural state.

• Rio Grande: This river, which forms part of the U.S.-Mexico border, is threatened by water diversion and pollution. Conservation efforts focus on improving water quality and managing water use sustainably.

• Copper River: Known for its salmon runs, the Copper River in Alaska is a focus of protection by several conservation organizations due to its importance for local ecosystems and fisheries.