River Revolution: Accelerating Solutions for Climate Resilience

Awards Ceremony 10 Sept 2025 Brisbane, Australia

Are you ready to showcase your river project on the global stage?

The Thiess International River Prize is the world’s most prestigious award in river restoration and management. Presented at the International River Symposium, this award recognises outstanding, innovative, and sustainable approaches to restoring and protecting rivers worldwide.

First awarded in 1999, the Thiess International River Prize has been a beacon of inspiration, celebrating groundbreaking achievements in river management and restoration. This award fuels innovation, driving transformative projects that enhance river resilience and sustainability. Winners don’t just receive a prize—they gain a platform to develop and scale impactful, “bankable” solutions that tackle the most pressing waterway challenges worldwide.

For over two decades, the prize has celebrated leading organisations, projects, and initiatives that demonstrate excellence in river basin management. Past winners have successfully revitalised rivers, improved water quality, restored ecosystems, and enhanced community engagement with their waterways.

Deadline for submission is 22 April 2025.  Shortlisted applications will be notified by 5 May 2025.

The winner of the 2025 Thiess International River Prize will be announced at a special Gala Event during the International River Symposium.

For more information about the 26th International River Symposium click HERE

Useful links

Want to accelerate your project's impact? Here's your chance

Imagine your river restoration efforts celebrated on a global stage. The Thiess International River Prize offers more than just recognition – it's a launchpad for increased impact. Winning this prestigious award can unlock vital resources and financial support, empowering your group to achieve even greater success in building resilient rivers and catchments.

What awaits the finalists and winner?

  • Global Recognition:  All finalists will be showcased through compelling short videos at the 26th International River Symposium Award Ceremony on Wednesday, 10th September 2025. Your work will be presented to a distinguished audience of VIPs, dignitaries, government representatives, sponsors, and conference delegates.
  • A Celebration of Achievement: Join us as we celebrate the incredible contributions of river groups worldwide. The winner will be announced at the prestigious Award Ceremony.
  • Tangible Rewards: The Thiess International River Prize winner will receive a stunning trophy and a significant cash prize (awarded within 6 months of the ceremony). All finalists will also receive a trophy in recognition of their outstanding achievements.

Don't miss this opportunity to amplify your impact. Apply today!

What does it take to win?

Having awarded 21 International River Prizes and over 20 Regional River Prizes, the International River Foundation examined what it takes to be a winner. These five key elements have been identified as the recipe for success: 

  1. An emphasis on long-term commitment  
  2. Collaboration and partnerships 
  3. Equality, diversity, and inclusiveness 
  4. A holistic and integrated approach to planning, evaluation, and monitoring 
  5. A very clear vision 

River Journeys

The International River Foundations'  River Journeys book showcases past winners, twinning projects and other initiatives.

The efforts, dedication and achievements of River Prize winners are inspirational for river managers at all scales - from tiny streams to major international waterways.

Download your complimentary copy HERE

Eligibility

Organisations, or groups of organisations, responsible for their river and involved in river management, restoration and/or protection can enter.  Applications are invited from any river, lake, or wetland, that has demonstrated outstanding achievements in the last two years (although work may have been commenced earlier). 

Organisations, or groups of organisations, responsible for their river and involved in river management, restoration and/or protection can enter.  Applications are invited from any river, lake, or wetland, that has demonstrated outstanding achievements in the last two years (although work may have been commenced earlier). 

Who is not eligible to enter?  

  • Any organisation that has won the Thiess International River Prize in the last 10 years 
  • Anyone who cannot comply with the River Prize terms and conditions  
  • Any organisation that has been prosecuted for a violation of any environmental, social or commercial law in Australia or overseas in the past 5 years. 

Finalists to any Regional Prizes or the International River Prize can re-apply in any category at any time. 

Selection criteria

The entry process allows applicants to reflect on their river basin’s (and its communities’) progress and achievements in the journey towards protection, recovery and resilience.   

The Thiess International River Prize Selection Criteria includes:

  1. Demonstrated progress in protecting and/or building river/catchment/basin recovery and resilience (25%) 
  2. Achievements aligned with a long-term strategic water resources/resilience planning (25%) 
  3. Partnerships, co-investment opportunities and stakeholder engagement (25%)
  4. Innovation and degree of difficulty (25%) 

Application timings

26th International River Symposium 

Celebrating excellence in river management, the Thiess International River Prize will be awarded at the prestigious Awards Gala Dinner— a highlight of the 26th International River Symposium in Brisbane, Australia, on Thursday, 10 September. Learn more on the event website below.

WHEN:

8-10 SEPTEMBER 2025

WHERE:

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA

PLANNER :

RIVERSYMPOSIUM@ MBSQUARED.COM.AU

(02) 7253 8666

Need Help? Contact IRS 2025 Event Team | riversymposium@mbsquared.com.au | +61 (02) 7253 8666 (Option 1)

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