About IWI

IWI, Inland Waterways International, members comprise about 60 organisations covering 20 countries. Its membership includes leading navigation authorities, as well as voluntary bodies, museums and commercial companies. Individual members include both users and experts in the various disciplines. All have a keen interest in both the history and the modern significance of inland waterways for commercial carrying and recreational use.

IWI’s objectives

IWI’s objective is to bring together people and organisations who support the conservation, use, development and proper management of inland waterways worldwide. It aims to raise public awareness of the benefits of using waterways for a wide range of activities, from inland water transport to cruising, towpath walking and other recreational uses, as well as appreciating their architectural and landscape values as heritage. It also promotes restoration, where appropriate, of waterways which have become derelict.

IWI’s aspirations for Navigating a Changing Climate

IWI’s aspirations for Navigating a Changing Climate are to contribute to climate awareness amongst the European and North American waterways networks, as well as those in South America, Asia and Africa, including existing and possible future ship canals addressing the needs of maritime traffic. IWI’s role and its actions have historically related more to the infrastructure, since that is where some of the toughest long-term challenges lie. How important is it to complete the networks available to commercial inland navigation? IWI has long been involved in analysis and awareness-raising on projects such as the Seine-Nord Europe Canal in France or the Danube-Oder-Elbe Water Corridors in the Czech Republic. It also has a world view, with an understanding of the issues involved in expanding inland water transport in South America and in certain parts of China.