River experts from around the world have descended on Brisbane this week for an international convention.
Hundreds of delegates are gathering in our own River city for International River Symposium, the world’s leading forum on river resilience and climate adaptation.
International River Foundation Chair Michael Wright said the Symposium, which runs until tomorrow (September 10), brought together global experts to showcase practical, nature-based solutions to safeguard rivers in a changing climate.
“For Brisbane, this is also a moment to highlight our defining feature – the Brisbane River. With the Olympic and Paralympic Games on the horizon, our rivers will soon be on the global stage,” Mr Wright said.
“The Symposium provides a unique opportunity to apply the latest research and best practice so that our waterways are healthier, more resilient, and enduring assets for generations to come.”
He said the Symposium marked a milestone for the International River Foundation, with Queensland Environment and Tourism Minister and Science and Innovation Minister Andrew Powell joining the Board alongside the Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner, together with other leading figures from academia, government, NGO, and industry.
“We are honoured to welcome Minister Powell to the IRF Board. His background in science and geomorphology, combined with his proven leadership, places him in an excellent position to help address shared river challenges and drive positive environmental and social outcomes.”
Mr Wright said the last Symposium was held in Vienna in 2022 and this year’s event boasted more than 24 keynote speakers, 50 thought leadership sessions, capacity-development masterclasses, and the awarding of the prestigious Thiess International River Prize.
He said the River Prize, first awarded in 1999, had recognised more than 100 outstanding projects worldwide, with this year’s finalists including Chicago River (US), Cumbria Rivers (UK), Klamath River (US), and Vjosa River (Albania).
“Rivers are the lifeblood of our ecosystems, communities, cultures and economies, but they’re facing growing pressures from climate extremes.
“This event unites global leaders in science, industry and government to take bold, practical action to protect and restore river health.”
