The science-society dialogue: an asset for shaping the future of Africa's rivers.

River health conditions human societies. Yet river ecosystems worldwide are under increasing pressure from climate change and human activities. Since its creation in 2015 by Erik Orsenna and the Compagnie Nationale du Rhône, IAGF (Initiatives pour l'Avenir des Grands Fleuves) has been working to alert, mobilize and support stakeholders towards sustainable management of major rivers. As a collective of international and transdisciplinary experts, the NGO represents a unique transdisciplinary and intersectoral space guided by a systemic and nuanced vision of the issues and uses at stake.

Its action is structured around three complementary levers: amplifying dialogue and expertise, strengthening awareness and advocacy, and promoting innovative solutions.

IAGF's participation in the closing conference of ICAR fully reflects this dynamic: demonstrating that river management can only succeed if science informs public decision-making, and if society is engaged to co-construct informed choices. African rivers illustrate the need to articulate scientific knowledge, local expertise and development imperatives. IAGF will carry a clear message: science–society dialogue is today an essential lever to strengthen basin resilience, anticipate water crises, protect biodiversity, support agricultural and energy transitions, and ensure equitable water sharing.

Through its international work - including the RIVERPULSE rapid and holistic participatory diagnostic, the Living with Rivers Label, field missions and international advocacy - IAGF advocates for integrated river management with open governance, founded on transparency, inclusion and engagement of all stakeholders.