Why water matters

Agriculture depends on water and underpins food security and rural livelihoods. Sustainable practices for green water and landscape management, support productivity, ecosystems, and climate resilience.

Climate resilience depends on placing water at the centre of climate strategies. Managing droughts, floods, and shifting hydrological patterns is essential, alongside links to climate policy and finance.

Forests play a critical role in the water cycle, influencing rainfall, soil moisture, and freshwater systems. Integrating forest and water governance is essential for climate resilience and long-term sustainability.

Women and girls are disproportionately affected by water challenges but often excluded from decision making. Gender-transformative approaches strengthen leadership, participation, and more just water governance.

Green water is the moisture stored in soils and vegetation and released into the atmosphere as evaporation and rainfall. Governing forests and landscapes is essential to manage these flows and sustain climate, ecosystems, and agriculture.

Groundwater is a critical yet often overlooked water source. Strengthened governance and monitoring of aquifers are essential for resilience, drinking water, agriculture, and ecosystems.

Human rights-based approaches promote equitable access to water and inclusive governance. Principles such as participation, accountability, and non-discrimination are central to sustainable water management.

Indigenous Peoples hold deep knowledge of water, landscapes, and ecosystems. Supporting Indigenous rights and leadership ensures policies reflect this knowledge and strengthen resilience and justice.