More than 2,500 people across 26 countries came together on May 17, 2025, to celebrate the second edition of WalkingRivers. 118 routes were organized along 111 riversand participants walked over 850 kilometres, turning a simple act into a powerful symbol of environmental unity and river advocacy.
The global event brought together government organizations, NGOs, citizen groups, activists and people passionate about rivers to highlight the beauty and importance of these vital waterways.
The initiative — led by the Iberian Center for River Restoration (CIREF), Wetlands International Europe and the Botín Foundation’s Water Observatory, witnessed a significant rise in participation this year. The number of registered routes organized grew by 26%from 93 to 118 with a remarkable increase in the number of routes in Spain and India..
“We were genuinely touched by the passion our River Leaders brought to their routes,” said Lucía De Stefano, one of the founders of WalkingRivers. “The routes started in Indonesia, and ended all the way across the world in the west coast of the USA. It shows the interest that people have in their local rivers and how important it is to conserve them and the habitats around them.”
This year’s edition showcased the diversity and imagination of its participants. In Argentina, a group accompanied their walk with live cumbia music, while in Portugal, a community created a sculpture engraved with “WalkingRivers”. In various locations, groups designed custom t-shirts, buttons, and videos. The message was clear: rivers are amazing and they are worth protecting..
WalkingRivers 2025 also became a stage for inclusivity. Participants ranged from school children in Spain walking with their scouts group to a 90-year-old man in Portugal, each sharing in a collective experience grounded in love for nature. Organizations, citizen activists, governmental bodies, and individuals — all walked under the shared banner of conservation.
For more information or media inquiries, please contact:walkingrivers@cirefluvial.com
https://cirefluvial.com/walkingrivers/
