Rivers and lakes

Protecting our freshwater ecosystems

Freshwater ecosystems store and clean the water that's essential for people and wildlife. Here's a short film about why and how we're helping look after rivers and wetlands around the world.

Healthy freshwater ecosystems supply water for drinking, growing crops, manufacturing, energy and transport - as well as waste disposal, erosion control and natural protection from flooding.

But we've been careless with this vital resource. Freshwater ecosystems have been mismanaged and degraded. In the last century we’ve lost many of the world’s wetlands and their species.

People are affected too. Over the last 50 years, the frequency of severe flooding and the damage caused have increased, partly because of damage to freshwater ecosystems. Unsafe water has had severe health and financial costs. Saltwater intrusion has spoiled land and water supplies.

If current consumption patterns continue, nearly half the world's population will live in water-stressed areas by 2025.

We believe it’s possible to meet the water needs of both people and nature - if water is managed wisely. That's why we're working hard to protect and manage freshwater resources around the world.

Where we work

We protect rivers and their water supplies in the UK and around the world, from the Yangtze in China to the Great Ruaha in Tanzania.

How we work

We use our expertise in safeguarding freshwater habitats and species to work with governments and businesses to make sure water resources are used and managed wisely.

Key issues

It’s the demand for water for so many purposes that makes it such a complex resource to manage. Find out about some of the key issues - from agriculture, water footprints and dams to climate change and pollution.

Useful links

• Freshwater facts and figures
• At the water's edge - watch the film
• HSBC
• Drought in the UK

Latest news

WWF’s Earth Book: the greatest story of our time – as told by you

We’re all part of the story of planet Earth. Now here's your chance to be in the book!

Queen’s speech - WWF reaction

There were some encouraging elements in the latest Queen’s speech about the government’s plans to bring in legislation to help green the power sector, and to protect our precious rivers and streams – but now we need to see these being put into action.

Drought: government must do more

As England’s drought restrictions come into force today, we believe the government must ramp up efforts to protect people and nature from drought – including introducing the widespread roll-out of water metering.