Working around the world
Working around the world
WWF has a number of projects in key river basins and wetland sites around the world where we work to promote the protection and good management of freshwater habitats.
The Great Ruaha river - Tanzania
In recent years, there have been marked decreases in dry season flows in the Great Ruaha, owing to poor water management within the rice irrigation schemes, as well as destructive fishing practices, dry season vegetable growing, livestock grazing, deforestation and small-scale mining.
Lake Bogoria - Kenya
Lake Bogoria is an important area for birdlife, with around 350 species, but the region is threatened by population growth, land clearance, inappropriate agriculture and other issues.
Water for Life - Brazil
As much as 14% of the world’s available fresh water flows through Brazil, but overuse and pollution threaten freshwater ecosystems and almost 40 million families have no access to drinkable water.
Rio Conchos - Mexico
The Rio Conchos in Mexico constitutes a lifeline of the Chihuahua Desert. However, farming, flood control and increased demand for drinking water have significantly reduced river flows.
Yangtze – China
The Yangtze holds 35% of China's total water resources and one third of China's fish; and it runs through an area populated by 600 million people. Climate change, flood management and land reclamation for urban and agricultural development are among the issues that threaten this area.
For a Living Ganges – India
The Ganges river basin is one of the most densely populated and fertile basins in the world. Some 100 million people depend directly on the river and its tributaries. A growing population and an increasing need for development are placing additional pressure on the region’s scarce water resources.
Thirsty Crops – Pakistan
Rural communities in Pakistan face inadequate access to water; and streams, rivers, lakes and other sources of freshwater are threatened by reduced water flow. Current inefficiencies in agriculture are key drivers of water shortages.
Thirsty Crops – India
Irrigation for agriculture accounts for over 90% of the water abstracted from the Godavari river in central India and the ‘thirsty’ crops grown here - sugar, cotton and rice – contribute to these impacts.
