IRN seeks a world in which rivers and their watersheds are valued as living systems and are protected and nurtured for the benefit of the human and biological communities that depend on them. IRN supports local communities working to protect their rivers and watersheds. We work to halt destructive river development projects, and to encourage equitable and sustainable methods of meeting needs for water, energy and flood management. IRN was established in 1985 as a nonprofit all-volunteer organization of activists experienced in fighting economically, environmentally, and socially unsound river intervention projects. Over the years, IRN has increased its permanent staff to more than twenty, established offices on three continents, and created a worldwide network of activists, supporters, funders, advisors, and volunteers. IRN's objective is to promote "Living Rivers." Living Rivers is a vision of respect for human rights and democratic decision-making. It implies the need to promote sustainable and equitable political, economic, and technological choices.
