Science is the current that guides action.
From measuring water quality to tracking wildlife migrations, science gives us the knowledge we need to protect rivers and the life they sustain. Data, research, and innovation turn passion into progress. Without science, we are navigating without a map.
When science is underfunded or ignored, rivers, air, wildlife, and communities all pay the price.
WHY SCIENCE
At Rivers are Life, science is what ties it all together. It shows us the hidden links between rivers, air, and wildlife, and provides the tools to measure impact and design solutions that last.
Rivers are studied to understand flows, water quality, and restoration needs.
Air science tracks pollutants and models how climate shifts affect waterways.
Wildlife science helps us monitor species health, migrations, and habitats.
Science itself is the foundation that allows us to learn, adapt, and create sustainable change.
Protecting the planet means exploring the sciences for a better tomorrow.
THE CHALLENGE
Despite its importance, freshwater and river science is drastically under-resourced:
Less than 1% of global environmental funding is dedicated to freshwater systems.
Many regions lack even basic water quality monitoring, leaving communities and wildlife at risk.
Without data, conservation efforts risk being short-term or misdirected, slowing progress.
Without science, we cannot understand the full story of our rivers, and without that understanding, we cannot protect them.
Our Solution
Rivers are Life invests in science to power solutions. We support research and monitoring that reveal the true state of rivers and the ecosystems they sustain.
From global river surveys that benchmark freshwater health, to species tagging projects that track sturgeon and other keystone wildlife, to community-driven monitoring that empowers local action, our projects show that science is not abstract. It is action.
Through storytelling, we amplify scientific findings so communities, policymakers, and the public can see the urgency and act on it.
YOU CAN HELP
Rivers are Life is building a global community to power 1,000 impact projects by 2050.
Together, we can:
Expand freshwater science and monitoring worldwide.
Fund research that restores ecosystems and protects communities.
Turn data into action through education, partnerships, and policy.
Inspire global awareness that science is essential to a thriving planet.
Join the movement.
SUPPORT SCIENCE.
PROTECT rivers.
Because when we invest in science, we invest in the future of life on Earth.
EXPLORE MORE
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Toxic Art
Documentary Film
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Potato Science
Organic Potato Farming Practices Along the Amazon River
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Impact Project #41
EmRiver Table & Dam Removal Studies