How Nature Can Help Address Water-Related Challenges: Freshwater Ecosystems – Technical Brief

This document provides an examination of the urgent decline of freshwater ecosystems worldwide and highlights their critical role in addressing the interlinked crises of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. It presents the latest scientific evidence on ecosystem degradation and its impact on human well-being, access to clean water, food security and economic stability. The document explores the concept of nature-based solutions and provides globally recognised definitions and practical guidance for the implementation of NbS interventions in the freshwater context. Using detailed case studies from regions such as Afghanistan, Albania, El Salvador, Haiti, Kenya, Morocco and Tanzania, it highlights the socio-economic and environmental benefits, challenges and lessons learnt from ecosystem restoration, pollution prevention and climate adaptation projects.