All life needs water. Help WWF protect the world’s freshwater resources and landscapes to support biodiversity and human livelihoods.
Water is the world’s most precious resource, fueling everything from the food you eat, to the cotton you wear, to the energy you depend on every day. But did you know that less than 1% of the world’s water is fresh and accessible?
Freshwater habitats—such as lakes, rivers, streams, wetlands, and aquifers—cover less than 0.01% of the planet’s total surface area but they support more than 125,000 species, from fish to terrestrial animals. However, more than half the world’s wetlands have disappeared since 1900, and freshwater species are experiencing the heaviest declines of all monitored species populations – a rate of 85% as compared to the global species average decline of 73%.
People are also at risk. Over one billion people lack access to water and as much as two-thirds of the world’s population may face water shortages in the coming years.
Climate change, population growth, and changing consumption patterns are just a few of the pressing forces putting freshwater systems increasingly at risk.
Protecting fresh water cannot happen alone. Water stewardship requires collaboration with all levels of government, local communities, and businesses to change how water is governed and embed the value of nature into business planning. We challenge businesses to think differently about water in their strategy, operations and manufacturing. These combined strategies will help ensure healthy freshwater systems exist to conserve wildlife and provide a sustainable future for all.
PLEASE DONATE TODAY
Be the voice that nature so desperately needs. Your support powers WWF’s work around the world to fight climate change, restore our forests, oceans and freshwater, end poaching and online wildlife trafficking, and eliminate plastic pollution.
Your donation will support WWF’s global conservation work.
