The Karnali River in western Nepal is one of the longest undammed rivers on Earth. In a world where almost two-thirds of the planet’s largest rivers are no longer free-flowing, the Karnali stands as a symbol of natural resilience. But today, the threat of three planned hydropower dams looms over this pristine waterway. These proposed dams would dramatically change the Karnali and the lives of the people who live near it. Megh Ale, the Karnali Riverkeeper, is working to keep the Karnali running free, all while fostering sustainable tourism and supporting local livelihoods. Sister River documents his efforts, through his eyes and those of Hudson Riverkeeper Tracy Brown, who visited Nepal from New York in 2023 to support her fellow water protector.  

The event will start with a screening of the 15-minute film, followed by discussion with Ale and Brown.

Megh Ale, known locally as “The River Man,” is an explorer, internationally experienced river guide, conservationist, Ashokan Fellow, and social entrepreneur. He is the Karnali Riverkeeper and founder of Save the Karnali – leading the charge to protect the only wild and free-flowing river remaining in Nepal — and is the founder of the Nepal River Conservation Trust. He works with political leaders and international funding agencies to drive awareness of what’s at stake. He leads scientific treks from Tibet to Holy Ganges to promote a fact-based dialogue that will help save his river. And he inspires the masses through an eco-tourism business that invites people to swim, fish, raft and play.

Tracy Brown is the President and Hudson Riverkeeper at Riverkeeper. A recognized leader in clean water advocacy, Brown prioritizes data-driven, community-oriented strategies to realize Riverkeeper’s mission of clean and healthy water for all. She was instrumental in developing Riverkeeper’s water quality monitoring programs and was an architect of New York’s Sewage Pollution Right to Know Law. Brown is a co-founder of the Peabody Preserve Outdoor Classroom, a nature preserve for hands-on, outdoor education for the students of the Tarrytown-Sleepy Hollow public schools in Westchester.

Joshua L. Pearson is an award winning American film and television editor, known for the Academy Award-winning documentary film, Summer of Soul, the Academy Award-nominated documentary film What Happened, Miss Simone? among other projects.