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This policy brief argues that while granting legal personhood to rivers can transform environmental governance by shifting from an extractivist perspective to one of ecological integrity, legal recognition alone is insufficient. Based on cases in Bangladesh and Colombia, the authors highlight that effective river governance requires operational clarity, coordinated institutional leadership to overcome fragmented authority, and the inclusive integration of local community knowledge. The brief recommends that governments establish clear enforcement procedures and integrated social-ecological indicators, supported by long-term financing for guardianship bodies.