Water

Only 3% of the earth’s water is freshwater; about two-thirds of it is frozen in glaciers and polar ice caps and we have long over-stretched this precious resource.

 

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Water is the source of all life and
needs to be managed carefully

 

for people

+ 50 %

increase in global water demand by 2030

for nature

- 80%

decline in freshwater biodiversity since 1970

for security

90%

of all natural disasters are water-related

How we engage

The mission of the IUCN Global Water Programme is to be a trusted partner for evidence-based and adaptive change in water resource management that benefits nature and people. We bring together our extensive network of IUCN Members, experts, government and private sector partners to develop sustainable solutions to manage water resources.

Our work focuses on water governance that integrates the needs of people and nature, the implementation of sustainable water resource management to secure water-related ecosystem services and conserve freshwater biodiversity, and support increased investment in ecosystems as natural water infrastructure. 

 

News

  • James Dalton at HLPF SDG6 review, 9 July 2018, New York Photo: ©IUCN/Maximilian Mueller

    Water: Eventually We will get it Right…

    16.07.2018

    Blog by James Dalton. The future of our planet and the stability of our natural, social, and economic systems will very much be measured by the impact of activities at the national level, in countries, doing things, on-the-ground. Guided by the...

  • Will Darwall - Mekong Photo: Eddie Allison

    Freshwater Conservation : INTERVIEW

    16.07.2018

    Synchronicity Earth - an IUCN Member Organisation - have been supporting the IUCN Freshwater Biodiversity Unit (FBU) since 2013 and have recently published this interview with Dr Will Darwall, Head of FBU Programme. Will talks about the challenges facing...

  • Lin, Lake Ohrid, Albania Photo: Christopher Graz

    Pearl in a plastic bag

    12.07.2018

    Lake Ohrid is Europe’s oldest lake, straddling the mountainous border between southwestern Macedonia (FYR) and eastern Albania. It was formed by tectonic shifting over two million years ago and is home to a large number of unique flora and...

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