What is the challenge?
Development pressures to feed and power the world are degrading the lands and rivers from which comes our water. This degradation of watersheds is a key challenge for sustainable water management.
Water supplies at risk
In many cities worldwide, drinking-water supplies are greatly affected by how land is managed. Practices that clear forests, increase erosion and create pollution reduce both water quality and reliability.
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What is the role of watersheds in providing water services?
DANIEL SHEMIE • THE NATURE CONSERVANCY
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Why are source watersheds important?
LAURA MCCARTHY • THE NATURE CONSERVANCY
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What is Source Water Protection?
KARI VIGERSTOL • THE NATURE CONSERVANCY
© Nicholas Longbucco
BEYOND THE SOURCE
A multitude of benefits from source water protection
Source water protection is first and foremost a strategy for securing clean, reliable natural water sources. But there are many other benefits that can be accrued. A new report - called Beyond the Source - analyzes 4,000 cities to demonstrate the health, climate and biodiversity benefits of source water protection.
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In addition to reducing water security risks, what are some of the benefits Water Funds can provide?
Learn more about the range of benefits Water Funds can provide beyond securing clean, reliable natural water sources
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What kinds of benefits can water funds provide to aquatic and terrestrial biodiversity?
Listen to Jonathan Higgins from The Nature Conservancy describe biodiversity benefits of Water Funds
Learn more about the wide range of benefits the Water Fund model can provide: Benefits of Water Funds.
What is a Water Fund?
What is a Water Fund? Why Water Funds? What has been the global experience? Access this page to learn more.