Freshwater ecosystems, including rivers, lakes, and aquifers, are degraded in half of the world’s countries, according to three reports published by UN-Water and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). The reports highlight decreased river flow, shrinking or disappearing surface water bodies, increased pollution, and ineffective water management as key issues.
The reports track progress towards the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of “clean water and sanitation for all” (SDG 6) and call for increased support for Member States through the UN’s strategy for water and sanitation and the forthcoming Collaborative Implementation Plan. “Freshwater resources are deteriorating rapidly, threatening food security, climate stability, and biodiversity,” said.