Through WANI (Water & Nature Initiative), IUCN has supported the development of a number of freshwater biodiversity assessments, highlighting the status of species, and the ecosystems and livelihoods dependent upon them.
Topics
Across the globe, IUCN Global Water Programme demonstrates how well-managed river basins and aquatic ecosystems provide goods and services that are essential for reducing poverty and development of local economy. These services provide the basic resources on which many livelihoods depend.
In its field projects, IUCN involves local communities, research organisations, expert networks, governments and non-governmental organisations to turn the principles of ecosystem management into sustainable solutions.
Climate Change Adaptation
Ecosystems are maintained as infrastructure that reduces vulnerability to floods, droughts and storms under water governance that empowers water users in decision making.
Good Governance
Poor water governance results in degradation and over-allocation of water resources, is a cause of vulnerability for poor people and leads to weaker and less resilient livelihoods and economic growth.
Water and Women
The IUCN Global Water Programme is committed to gender equality. The integration of gender considerations throughout water-related work is crucial for its long-term sustainability and effectiveness.
Infrastructure
Water, energy and food security rely on water infrastructure. The interaction between water, energy and food production and use - the nexus - has led to new demands for water infrastructure and technology solutions.
Environmental Flows
IUCN defines environmental flows as the water provided within a river, wetland or coastal zone to maintain ecosystems and their benefits where there are competing water uses and where flows are regulated.
Learning and Knowledge
IUCN Global Water Programme supported learning and innovation in IWRM (Intergrated Water Resources Management) based on best practice around the world and lessons from WANI demonstration basins, sharing knowledge and experience builds capacities that empower stakeholders.
Water-Energy-Food Nexus
Recognition of the closely bound interaction between water, energy and food has led to new demands for water infrastructure and technology solutions.
River Basin Management
Freshwater resources are under increased pressure to satisfy the needs of water users throughout the world. Since 1800 the world’s population has increased from 1 to 6 billion, but freshwater is finite.