Fresh water is the lifeblood of our planet, and freshwater ecosystems connect people with the resources they need to thrive. But when rivers, lakes and wetlands are degraded, their ability to provide reliable supplies of clean water — and to support the species on which millions of people depend — is threatened.
The planet’s freshwater ecosystems are in crisis: Research found that populations of monitored freshwater species have fallen by 84 percent and nearly one-third of wetland ecosystems have been lost since 1970 due to human activities that degrade habitats and decrease water quality.
But despite their vital contributions to humans and biodiversity, freshwater ecosystems receive only a small percentage of the funding dedicated to nature conservation, explained Robin Abell, a co-author of a recent review of these findings published in the journal Science, who leads Conservation International’s freshwater work.
“Freshwater ecosystems connect headwaters with oceans, land with water and people with the resources they need to thrive,” Abell said. “However, they have historically been ignored during the development of conservation initiatives such as protected areas and other management interventions.”
“Freshwater and terrestrial conservation need to go hand-in-hand to receive the full suite of benefits that nature can provide,” she said. “This will require strong policy that recognizes the connections between terrestrial and freshwater systems and that treats those systems as equal in importance.”
What Are the Issues?
What Are the Issues?
Our Solutions
We work to protect and restore the freshwater ecosystems around the world that supply critical services to the people who depend on them most. Grounded in sound science, our projects offer innovative solutions that can serve as models for conservation anywhere on Earth. Given the link between nature and human well-being, we build bridges between conservation and development, providing leaders at all levels with the information they need to understand the true value of nature’s benefits.
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Freshwater Health Index
The Freshwater Health Index, a tool developed by Conservation International, measures the overall condition of freshwater ecosystems — and their capacity to support healthy, economically sustainable human populations.
© Pete Oxford/iLCP -
Inland fisheries
We work to secure inland freshwater fisheries, which provide food for billions of people. For more than a decade, we have worked to ensure that Cambodia’s Tonle Sap Lake — one of the most productive inland fisheries in the world — can continue to support the livelihoods of millions.
© CI/photo by Sophak Sett -
WASH in Watersheds
Conservation International is working to link conservation with water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services to enhance land and water stewardship. With the help of our partners, we are producing tools to design, coordinate and implement projects with benefits for people and nature.
© Kyle Obermann -
Green infrastructure
Natural areas help to ensure reliable flows of clean water to communities — from rural villages to major cities. We work to restore “green” infrastructure, such as forests, floodplains and wetlands, and integrate it with conventional “gray” infrastructure, like dams and water treatment facilities.
© Trond Larsen
Featured Publications
COLOMBIAN HIGH MOUNTAINS: The Case of the Chingaza-Sumapaz-Guerrero Paramos
COLOMBIAN HIGH MOUNTAINS: The Case of the Chingaza-Sumapaz-Guerrero Paramos
Freshwater Strategy
Freshwater Strategy
Freshwater Health Index Overview
Freshwater Health Index Overview
Tonle Sap – Mekong Factsheet
Tonle Sap – Mekong Factsheet
Conservation South Africa: People Need Water, Water Needs Nature
Conservation South Africa: People Need Water, Water Needs Nature
Corporate Water Stewardship and the Case for Green Infrastructure
Corporate Water Stewardship and the Case for Green Infrastructure
Related conservation news from the field
5 Father’s Day cards for our favorite animal dads
Last year on Father’s Day, Human Nature highlighted animal dads that go above and beyond.
From enduring freezing temperatures for months to traveling more than 100 miles to find water — even carrying newborns in their mouths to protect them from harm — these dads at least deserve a card.
- The sand grouse
“Dad, I’ve never seen you stop for directions (even though you fly 125 miles a day to bring me water — and avoid predators in the process). Happy Father’s Day to the most well-oriented dad around!”
- The golden lion tamarin
“Pop, Mom thinks you spend too much time at the gym — but I think it’s great. When you carried me on your back for five weeks straight, I told all of my friends that you had super strength. Happy Father’s Day to my favorite super hero!”
- The Asian arowana fish
“Hey Dad, thanks for not eating me. I know I’ve spent a lot of time right there in your mouth from when I was an egg to when I was a fry — and again whenever danger arises. Happy Father’s Day to my best protector!”
- The glass frog
“Daddy-o, they don’t call you the ‘ninja frog’ for no reason. You used your translucent skin to blend into your surroundings and protect me when I was a defenseless egg. When I grow up, I want to learn how to kick wasp-butt just like you. Happy Father’s Day to my very own Bruce Lee!”
- The emperor penguin
“Dad, you’re the best at keeping me warm. It can’t be easy — standing stock-still without eating for four months while balancing an egg on your feet so mom could regain her strength. Happy Father’s Day to the best radiator in the Antarctic!”
Morgan Lynch is a staff writer for Conservation International. Allie Tripp is a graphic designer for Conservation International.
Further reading
- 7 animal dads that go above and beyond
- 7 species with moms weirder than yours
- 3 reasons elephants make the best mothers
Related peer-reviewed science
What Can You Do?
More than 2 billion people lack access to safe, readily available water at home. Your donation can help us conserve the freshwater ecosystems that people depend on.
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