The state of our freshwater ecosystems has been highlighted in a study conducted by UN-Water and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Through three reports on progress in the area of freshwater resources, it has been shown that a significant number of countries worldwide are experiencing degradation in one or more types of freshwater ecosystems, including rivers, lakes, and aquifers. This series of reports is published every three years to assess the progress made in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6, which aims for clean water and sanitation for all by protecting and restoring freshwater sources.
The main changes observed include a significant reduction in river flow, a decrease in the surface area of water bodies or their complete disappearance, a deterioration in ambient water quality, and the indication that water management is not on the right track.
More precisely, 90 percent of countries, most of which are located in Africa and Central or Southeast Asia, report degradation in one or more freshwater systems. Contributing factors include pollution, dam construction, land-use changes, excessive water extraction, and climate change.
It is reported that river flow has decreased in 402 river basins worldwide, influenced by climate change and land use. This represents a fivefold increase compared to the year 2000. In a significantly smaller number of river basins, river flow is increasing.
In Southeast Asia, there is a drastic decline in mangroves, and their loss due to human activities poses a serious risk to coastal communities, freshwater resources, biodiversity, and the climate. Their role in ecosystem preservation is multifaceted. To clarify, mangroves are coastal forest systems found in tropical and subtropical regions. The significance of these systems lies in their ability to store up to four times more carbon from the atmosphere than other types of forests. Additionally, they act as a natural barrier protecting coastal communities from erosion, storms, or tsunamis, and they provide habitat for a significant portion of biodiversity. As another example, mangroves have the ability to filter water before it enters open water systems.
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The reports have also shown that lakes and other surface water bodies are shrinking or disappearing, in 364 basins worldwide.
The poorest half of the world contributes less than three percent of global water quality data. There is an urgent need to improve monitoring of these systems, as it is crucial for the adequate management of water resources. Where data does exist, it shows that the quality of freshwater has deteriorated since 2017. The reports recommend expanding government water quality monitoring programs, incorporating citizen science, and using satellite technologies to fill data gaps.
To sustainably manage water resources, integrated water resource management across all sectors must be implemented by 2030. Although 47 countries have achieved or nearly achieved such management, 63 countries need to accelerate implementation, and 73 have limited capacities. If this trend continues, the world will achieve sustainable water management only by 2049. This further means that by 2030, 3.3 billion people in over 100 countries will likely have inefficient water management systems.
