2025 Thiess International River Prize Finalists

First awarded in 1999, the Thiess International River Prize celebrates excellence in river management, protection and restoration. The award inspires innovative initiatives that promote river resilience, encouraging winners to develop “bankable” projects that provide effective solutions to the most pressing issues faced by our waterways.

The 2025 Thiess International River Prize winner will be announced at the 26th International River Symposium Gala Dinner on Wednesday 10 September in Brisbane, Australia. Click below to register now.

Chicago River, USA

Friends of the Chicago River is the only organisation dedicated to transforming the 251-kilometre Chicago-Calumet River system into a healthy, biodiverse and climate-resilient ecosystem.

Since 1979, it has led restoration efforts through hands-on stewardship, education, community engagement and bold policy advocacy, driving lasting change for both people and wildlife.

Cumbria Rivers, UK

Now in its fifteenth year, the Cumbria River Restoration Strategy brings together diverse partners to revive natural river processes, boost biodiversity, reduce flood risk and build climate resilience. With hundreds of kilometres of rivers and floodplains restored, the programme champions community involvement whilst training thousands of practitioners and conservationists through hands-on projects, study tours and volunteer initiatives.

Klamath River, USA

The Lower Klamath Project, led by the Klamath River Renewal Corporation, is the largest dam removal and river restoration effort in U.S. history. By removing four hydroelectric dams, it reconnects over 640 kilometres of river habitat, restores salmon migration, and supports Tribal Nations’ cultural and subsistence practices.

This collaborative, science-led project enhances ecosystem resilience and sets a global benchmark for large-scale river restoration.

Vjosa River, Albania

As Europe’s last wild river, the Vjosa River flows freely for 270 kilometres from Greece to Albania. Once threatened by large-scale hydropower projects, the “Save the Blue Heart of Europe” campaign successfully halted dam developments through science, legal action, and community mobilisation.

This global movement culminated in the historic 2023 designation of the Vjosa as Europe’s first Wild River National Park. Today, efforts continue to safeguard the river from new threats while promoting sustainable livelihoods and transboundary protection.