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
Latest news
WWF/SABMiller report – tackling water scarcity together
Global water shortages will affect everyone – and will only be solved by environmental groups, businesses, governments and local communities all working together. That’s the vision of the latest report to come from our Water Futures Partnership with brewing giant SABMiller.
Our Rivers Awards 2010
– vote now!
Do you love or loathe your local river? Is it lush with wildlife or choked by pollution? A place of quiet contemplation or toxic contamination? Sparkling stream or dried-up desert? We want to know…
Water meters can help solve UK water crisis
Water meters are a key solution to Britain’s water shortages – but there still aren’t enough of them around. Figures from water regulator Ofwat show there’s been a worryingly low take-up around the country – just over a third of households are on a water meter. We need to see them in every home within ten years.
Dam plans must change to save rare giant fish
We want to see a postponement of plans to develop new hydropower dams on the Mekong River in south-east Asia– at least until there’s been a comprehensive assessment of all potential impacts. We’re particularly concerned that wild populations of the iconic Mekong giant catfish will be driven to extinction if the dams go ahead.
World Environment Day 2010 – focus on estuaries
5 June is World Environment Day. This year, WWF is using the event to focus attention on the health of estuaries. Estuaries are vital areas where freshwater meets seawater, and traditionally huge communities of people and wildlife congregate. The world’s estuaries have suffered for many years, but we’ve seen recently how the tide of decline can be turned. Now we’re announcing a new World Estuaries Alliance to step up the protection.
More reports and investigations into water issues from around the globe can be found on our freshwater publications page