Rivers and lakes
Why protect our freshwater ecosystems?
Without water there would be no life on Earth. Freshwater ecosystems clean and store the water that is essential for human livelihoods and for the survival of wildlife. These ecosystems are a vital component in the hydrological cycle.
But the world's water has been mismanaged and our freshwater ecosystems degraded rapidly in the last century. As a result, more than half of global wetlands have been destroyed and WWF's index of freshwater species populations has declined significantly since 1970.
People are feeling the consequences of this too: over the last 50 years, the frequency of severe flooding and the damage it causes have increased, in part due to the degradation of freshwater ecosystems. If current consumption patterns continue, nearly half the world's projected population will live in water-stressed river basins by 2025.
WWF in Action
WWF-UK works on key freshwater projects across the world and on issues critical to the protection of freshwater resources.
Rivers in the UK
UK rivers are in danger – only 15% of the total length of our rivers are healthy enough to support a vibrant ecosystem, and they’re increasingly under pressure from growing human populations and from the effects of climate change. We're working with the HSBC Climate Partnership, government, communities and other partners to protect UK rivers and their water supplies.
Working around the world
WWF-UK is working on projects in key river basins and wetland areas around the world, such as the Yangtze in China and the Great Ruaha in Tanzania, in order to address threats to water resources in an integrated manner and ensure the long term security of these freshwater ecosystems.
Water footprint
Global pressure on freshwater resources is intensifying due to increasing rising demand for ‘thirsty’ products, such as cotton and sugarcane. WWF-UK is pioneering the development and use of water footprinting to help assess and reduce the impacts this overuse has on freshwater ecosystems.
Climate and water
Climate change threatens communities and ecosystems worldwide. WWF-UK is working with partners to assess the vulnerability of key rivers and the people who live along them and to plan how best to minimise the adverse impacts of our changing climate.
Dams and infrastructure
Dams store drinking water, help to irrigate farmland, generate electricity and reduce the risk of floods. But most of the world’s rivers are now fragmented by large dams, threatening migratory fish and other species. WWF-UK is pressing for better standards that ensure only the right dams are built in the right places.
Agriculture and water
Agriculture provides our food and fibre but soaks up 70% of the water we use, and is perhaps the biggest single driver behind the loss of freshwater ecosystems. WWF-UK is encouraging farmers and the world’s largest food sector companies to implement better management practices that use water efficiently and minimise harmful chemical pollution.
Wetlands and biodiversity
Home to some of the richest biodiversity on Earth, wetlands also provide food, freshwater, building materials and services such as water treatment and erosion control. However, half the world's wetlands have been destroyed over the last 100 years. WWF-UK is supporting partners to protect and manage some of the world’s most spectacular wetlands wisely
Useful links
Freshwater projects
Download
UK water footprint: Vol 1 Report
Adapting Water Management
Understanding water risks
Allocating Scarce Water
Keeping Rivers Alive
Investigating Shared Risk in Water
Latest news
Response to £10m rivers funding announcement
UK Environment Minister Huw Irranca-Davies has announced an extra £10 million funding for England’s rivers, lakes and canals. WWF's freshwater policy manager, Dr Tom Le Quesne, responds:
Ballinderry Community Take Action
The WWF Northern Ireland RIPPLE Project has seen the community of the Ballinderry River catchment take on the protection and promotion of their local river.
Time to stand up for our rivers!
The new Our Rivers campaign, co-launched by WWF, invites you to tell us how much your local river means to you, so we can demand the government draws up effective river management plans.
Banks of the Ballinderry Fair 2009
Get up close and personal with the Ballinderry River.
Boost for 'green heart of Africa'
WWF has welcomed news that Gabon is to increase its protected wetland sites by more than a million hectares – a major boost to our conservation efforts in this part of central Africa.