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Already there are 1 billion people in the world without access to clean drinking water, and another two billion whose access is inadequate.
As the world’s population grows, so does our need for drinking water. City dwellers are expected to grow by another 2 billion people by the year 2050, placing a huge strain on the world’s freshwater ecosystems—requiring perhaps up to 70 percent more water than we currently use.
What The Nature Conservancy is Doing.
If we can protect our waters, we can protect the people who rely on them. To that end, The Nature Conservancy works with partners around the world to establish watershed protection and better water-management practices.
Along the Texas and Louisiana border, the Conservancy is helping local scientists, water managers and community members examine the current and projected demands on the available water from Caddo Lake and surrounding wetlands, the largest natural lake in Texas, stretching 50 square miles. The team is also evaluating how a nearby reservoir could be better operated to meet a broader spectrum of needs. Both efforts seek to improve the overall health of the area’s freshwater system.
Our conservation scientists are also helping protect and restore vast river systems around the globe, such as the Paraguay-Paraná in South America, remain vital. Flowing through Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay, the Paraguay-Paraná river system covers an area of almost 1 million square miles, making it the second largest in South America. To help restore the river's health, the Conservancy is collaborating with Brazil's water agencies to encourage large-scale reforestation in the region, while also working with local farmers to increase their knowledge and use of sound agricultural practices.
Action starts when people talk.
In the midst of urgent warnings about water shortages, there are reasons for hope and things we can do as individuals. First, start a conversation about the issue with friends, family and colleagues. Take a look at our Conversation Starters related to habitat restoration for relevant and compelling facts. And, learn more about our work by visiting related projects on the Conservancy’s web site, nature.org.
