International Day of Action 2022

On March 14, hundreds of communities across the globe joined together to advocate for healthy, clean, and free-flowing rivers.

You championed river defenders

Growing up on the banks of the Mekong, Niwat Roykaew, known as Kru Thi or "Teacher," witnessed the devastating impact that largescale dams had on his community and the environment.

He continued to do so even as the government proceeded with longstanding plans to blast over 100 kilometers of the river.

Determined to make a difference, Kru Thi began organizing and soon found himself leading an association of 30 local villages to resist the destructive projects planned along the river, including dams and blasting of the river’s rapids. However, government officials and powerful business interests saw Kru Thi as a threat and used intimidation and violence to try to silence him. Despite the opposition, Kru Thi refused to back down and continued to speak out to protect the Mekong and the rights of communities who depend on it.

Kru Thi's dedication eventually paid off. After more than 20 years of struggle, he won a decisive battle to spare his region when the blasting project was canceled – a feat that won him the prestigious Goldman Environmental Prize in 2022.

Kru Ti's efforts continue: as well as advising International Rivers' work in Thailand, he is teaching the next generation of young people how they, too, can protect and defend the river that has sustained them.