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Freshwater Strategy 2017-2021
Table of Contents
Summary 2
1 Introduction 3
1.1 The Importance of Freshwater 3
1.2 UN Environment’s Comparative Advantage 5
2 UN Environment’s Freshwater Strategy 6
2.1 Mandate and objectives 7
2.2 Strategic Priorities and Levels of Engagement 7
3 Implementing the Freshwater Strategy 10
3.1 Examples of Priority Freshwater Areas in which
UN Environment will Provide Leadership 11
3.2 Examples of Priority Freshwater Areas to which
UN Environment will contribute 16
3.3 Examples of Priority Freshwater Areas which
UN Environment will Actively Follow 17
4 Theory of Change 18
5 An Adaptive Approach: Reviewing and
Revising the Freshwater Strategy 20
5.1 Monitoring and Revising the Freshwater Strategy 20
5.2 Strategic Partnerships 20
5.3 Communication of the Freshwater Strategy 20
Annex: Examples of partnerships 21
Acknowledgement 22
Endnotes 23
1
«Protecting, managing and restoring
freshwater in support of human
well-being and sustainable development.»
1 Introduction
This document describes UN Environment’s five-year
Freshwater Strategy from 2017 to 2021. As a living document,
it is intended to guide work related to freshwater across
UN Environment’s divisions, sub-programmes and regional
offices, as well as interactions with governments and
partners at national, regional and global levels. The Freshwater
Picture 1 River in Punakha, Bhutan © UN Photo Strategy supports the implementation of UN Environment’s
Medium-Term Strategy and Programme of Work adopted by
universal United Nations (UN) membership through the
Summary UN Environment Assembly. Coming at a critical time for
While facing numerous pressures and degradation, in addition to other SDGs closely linked to freshwater such freshwater in general, and the implementation of the
freshwater ecosystems play a central role for the health of as those on water-related disasters, conflict and climate Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in particular, this
economies and societies worldwide. Preserving and change, food and energy security and terrestrial and marine strategy aims to unlock the potential of integrated collaboration
protecting the world’s freshwater is a key role of the members ecosystems, and peaceful and inclusive societies, among and spur leadership on freshwater issues globally.
of the United Nations (UN), in particular through their many others.
environmental agency, UN Environment. More specifically, the strategy describes UN Environment’s
Covering a key period where it will be crucial to tackle planned levels of engagement, which include providing 1.1 The Importance of Freshwater
the world’s freshwater issues to deal with threats such global leadership, contributing to topics of immediate and Freshwater plays a fundamental role in support of the
as increased pollution, urbanization, rising food and energy pressing concern, and actively following other closely environment, society and the economy. Ecosystems such as
production, water-related disasters and displacement related processes. In practical terms, the strategy will be wetlands, rivers, aquifers and lakes are indispensable for
of people, this Freshwater Strategy provides actionable operationalized through a combination of ongoing and life on our planet and are vital for directly ensuring a range of
guidance for UN Environment to support countries’ new initiatives in support of Member States. A range of key benefits and services such as drinking water, water for
implementation of sustainable freshwater management work areas are defined with example activities including food and industry including energy, habitats for aquatic life,
practices globally. It is built on several concepts and pillars. direct provision of expertise, development and dissemination and natural solutions for water purification and buffering
Firstly, freshwater is essential to the environment as a of tools and techniques, and a range of awareness raising floods and bridging drought periods, among many others.
whole and underpins all areas in which UN Environment and knowledge sharing efforts. Many activities will be carried Managed well to address competing demands and ensure
works, including to effective ecosystem-based management out through existing and new partnerships drawn from their resilience in the face of climate change, disasters and
(EBM) and ecosystem-based adaptation (EBA). Thus the the United Nations system, and other expert organizations conflict, freshwater ecosystems contribute to mitigating
Freshwater Strategy helps UN Environment deliver on its including national government institutions, non-governmental risks, and promoting stability and trust-building measures.
mandate, programmes of work and medium-term strategies. organizations, and the private sector. As such, they are essential for sustainable development,
Secondly, support for the achievement of numerous The duration of this Freshwater Strategy, 2017-2021, peace and security, and human well-being. SDG 6, “Ensure
freshwater-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) covers a crucial time for kickstarting this implementation1. availability and sustainable management of water and
in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development falls The Freshwater Strategy is supported by UN Environment’s sanitation for all”2, represents one of the core elements
under UN Environment’s mandate, with core targets specific to comparative advantage as a trusted, impartial convening supporting sustainable development as addressed in
SDG 6 that include freshwater ecosystems, water quality organization, and for its role in knowledge and science-based the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, cutting across
and pollution, and integrated water resources management environmental management and policy. UN Environment’s all of its facets (Figure 1). Beyond SDG 6, numerous
(IWRM). Achievement of these targets is essential for realizing approach to strategic partnering internally and externally inextricable interlinkages exist between water and the other
the entirety of SDG 6 dedicated to water and sanitation, contributes to the structure of this strategy. SDGs, both in a reinforcing or a trade-off relationship3. ▸
2 3
Introduction
3. GOOD
HE A
E R LTH
NG AN
HU DW
E RO
EL
Z
2.
L-
BE
ING
7. A F
UN
F
O R DA B L E A N D
Environment
Freshwater
L AND
1.2 UN Environment’s Comparative Advantage importance of identifying synergies and inter-linkages
E ON
UN Environment is uniquely positioned to drive the global between them; and, (iii) the institutional aspects associated
C
LE A
freshwater strategy from several perspectives. UN with the governance of these global agreements
LIF
N
.
15
Environment: including technical assistance and capacity building as
EN
ER
well as monitoring.
G
Y
●● Is the leading authority that sets the global environmental
13 . C agenda and serves as an authoritative advocate for ●● Works through partnerships with governments and
L I M AT E A C T I O N
global environmental stewardship. hundreds of other organizations and agencies to drive
the global environment agenda.
●● Is a well-established, trusted and impartial convening
organization for numerous environmental issues, including ●● Is known for its integrated approach to environmental
sustainable freshwater management. This is supported management, including Ecosystem-based Management
by UN Environment’s global mandate and reputation (EBM) and Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EBA).
for science-based knowledge on global environmental Furthermore, UN Environment promotes the application
management, its capacity for driving productive of EBA approaches in conflict-affected and weak
environmental policy dialogue, and as the home for the governance contexts as a means to promote cooperation
management and oversight of numerous global between divided groups.
Figure 1 Freshwater Strategy environmental conventions.
SDG Interlinkages At the United Nations Conference on Sustainable
●● Informs and guides the implementation of international Development in 2012 (Rio+20), the role of UN Environment
environmental agreements, many of which are also was strengthened, with Member States asking for the
administered by UN Environment, which bears great establishment of universal membership by the General
significance for the sustainability of freshwater resources Assembly6. Member States simultaneously confirmed
across the globe. In hosting and administering the UN Environment as the programme “that promotes the
Secretariats of major multilateral environmental coherent implementation of the environmental dimension
agreements, including the Convention on Biological of sustainable development within the United Nations
Diversity, the Basel Convention on the Control of system” 7.
Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Building on UN Environment’s comparative
their Disposal, and the Stockholm Convention on advantages, this Freshwater Strategy contributes to the
Persistent Organic Pollutants, UN Environment has gained realization of its Programmes of Work and Medium-term
a unique insight into: (i) the challenges of implementing Strategies8, decided by Governments through universal
global treaties at the national and regional levels; (ii) the membership in the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA). ●
4 5
2 UN Environment‘s
Freshwater Strategy
2.1 Mandate and objectives and impacts on other relevant areas within the overall
The Freshwater Strategy contributes to UN Environment’s scope of water management (see Figure 3). The Freshwater
mandate as the “leading global environmental authority Strategy specifies three levels of engagement where UN
that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the Environment will do the following:
coherent implementation of the environmental dimension
of sustainable development within the United Nations system Level 1 Engagement: Provide global leadership on topics
and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global core to UN Environment’s mandate. UN Environment will
environment”9. build on decades of experience and use its mandate from
al This mandate is operationalized through the UN UN Member States to continue to drive the agenda for
ob ge A
g l ll e n IW dv Environment Medium-term Strategy 2014-2017, the Medium- sustainable freshwater ecosystem management in the
h e c ha RM term Strategy 2018-2020 (UNEA Resolution 2/20)10, as well context of sustainable development. Along these lines,
an ap p
y
al t
as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development11. Work UN Environment will provide global leadership in four
ter ing
c i n ro
it
towards realizing this mandate through the lens of freshwater strategic areas (see Figure 2):
wa eet
g t ac h
qu
SDG SDG
he
M
will be supported by the following objectives and means:
indicator indicator ●● Meeting the global water quality challenge (SDG target
●● Deliver value through creating and sustaining a 6.3): The importance of reversing water quality
6.3.2 6.5.1 specific sense of purpose for freshwater conservation, degradation in the world’s freshwater systems is
protection and use globally across UN Environment and recognized by governments, businesses and
among its partners. communities and steps are taken to improve ambient
freshwater quality and reduce the impact of discharge
●● Foster collaboration and align efforts of governments, of untreated wastewater into water bodies;
ts
ic t
SDG SDG UN agencies, partners, and other stakeholders to deliver
an as p e c
o nf l
P r o hwa
●●
indicator indicator specific freshwater management objectives and goals, Protecting and restoring freshwater ecosystems (SDG
fre s
including through effective convening and target 6.6): Services provided by ecosystems are
dc
te c
6.6.1 11.5 and
l
te n t a
communication at all levels. recognized and valued as part of sustainable
ti n e r e
16.1
as m e
development and the benefits are shared equitably;
g
rs
d
an c
t
on
r ir ●● Maximize the capacity for effective freshwater
os es t nv d i s
ys o r i n e management among all stakeholders at local, regional ●● Advancing the Integrated Water Resources
te
ms g ing ed
d d r e s s e lat and global levels, including building partner capacity. Management approach (SDG target 6.5): Integrated
A r
te r - Water Resources Management (IWRM) underpins
of w a ●● Deliver ongoing, recognized value towards achievement the coordinated development and management of
of the Sustainable Development Goals related to water, land and related resources in order to maximise
freshwater, including monitoring progress. economic and social welfare in an equitable manner
without compromising the sustainability of vital
ecosystems12; and
2.2 Strategic Priorities and Levels of Engagement
Figure 2 Core priorities of UN In support of countries, UN Environment operates globally ●● Promoting resilience and addressing the
Environment Freshwater Strategy and regionally at the interface of the environment, water and environmental aspects of water-related disasters and
development. Environmental goals and targets, including conflict (SDG targets 11.5 and 16.1): The capability
those related to freshwater, exist in an interlinked system of to mitigate and adapt to current and future water-related
objectives, stakeholders, governments, societal dynamics, hazards and risks facing ecosystem functions and
and other factors. The UN Environment Freshwater Strategy human communities is strengthened and embedded
is positioned within this interlinked web of factors through into existing environmental planning and management
a specific logic that maximizes efforts on core focus areas, systems. ▸
6 7
UN Environment‘s
Freshwater Strategy
En
vir
Level 2 Engagement: Contribute to topics of immediate and Level 3 Engagement: Actively follow other closely related er
on
2c
t
Wa
pressing concern. UN-Environment will leverage its expertise processes. UN Environment, as a global organization, has
me
and networks to work with partners at all levels, from global a mandate to help countries develop, implement and report
nt
to local, to contribute to the understanding and resolution of
pressing freshwater issues:
on a number of the “environmental” freshwater indicators
in SDG 6. Beyond that, as many of the other SDGs relate 3a 3b
closely to freshwater, UN Environment will continue to
At the water/development interface, productive uses of water provide input to freshwater aspects as they relate to other
and transboundary water management: areas of sustainable development, such as food and
energy production. 1
●● Promote water use efficiency in agriculture and industries UN Environment will actively follow these and other
2a 2b
issues related to regional and global agendas related to water,
●● Advocate that environmental flow requirements are environment and sustainable development. At this level
quantified and included when considering sustainable of engagement, UN Environment will keep informed and
water withdrawals abreast of developments in these areas, through contribution
to expert groups and other processes, providing an
●● Support transboundary basin-wide approaches to environmental perspective / input as needed to those who
environmental assessment and management are leading these processes.
Figure 3 illustrates how these priorities and levels of 3c
At the environment/development interface, source-to-sea engagement intersect with each other and form the rationale
De
linkages and natural infrastructure: for UN Environment’s priority areas of work. ●
vel s)
op m ent (SD G
●● Provide advice on the reduction of marine pollution
from land-based sources
●● Support a focus on deltas as hot-spot interfaces
between rivers and the sea
●● Promote the use of nature based solutions (natural
infrastructure) to water related problems (such as flood
protection, waste water purification, water storage) Figure 3 UN Environment Core Areas of Work in the
Freshwater Strategy 2017-2021
At the water/environment interface, water influenced by
a changing climate, aquatic biodiversity, and land-water
interactions: UN Environment leads on: 1 UN Environment contributions to: 2
●● Promote ecosystem approaches to understand and ●● Water quality, pollution ● Productive uses of water, 2a
project climate change impacts on the hydrological cycle ●● Integrated water resources management transboundary cooperation
●● Water-related ecosystems ● Sources-to-sea linkages, 2b
●● Support the understanding of the importance of ●● Water-related disasters
healthy aquatic ecosystems for biodiversity and aquatic biodiversity
ecosystem services ● Water and climate change adaptation, 2c
UN Environment actively follows issues related to: 3 natural water infrastructure, land and water
●● Support integrated assessments of land use and water
resources, including changes, drivers and response options ● The global and regional water agendas 3a
● The global and regional environment agendas 3b
● The global and regional development agendas 3c
8 9
3 Implementing the
Freshwater Strategy
UN Environment will draw on its experiences and comparative solve their environmental challenges. This partnering ●● Use freshwater to build trust and promote peace Meeting the global water quality challenge (SDG target 6.3)
advantage (see section 1.2), to implement the strategy. strategy will drive the integrated approach externally, amongst users, especially in conflict situations. A major area of focus for UN Environment in the time period
Examples of previous and current freshwater-related through collaboration with external agencies, organizations of this Freshwater Strategy will be issues related to water
activities implemented by UN Environment are described and communities, governments, and increased ●● Develop and disseminate science-based tools and quality, including:
in boxes throughout this section. UN Environment will engagement with the private sector. For further communication products: these include publications
continue to: information, see Annex. on freshwater management that are immediately ●● Ambient water quality monitoring. This will be
applicable and actionable for decision-making supported through the science-based network GEMS/
●● Implement strategic projects that empower governments, and action on policies and activities. The publications Water, which is hosted by UN Environment (see Box
Box 3.1. regional bodies and the private sector to successfully will integrate the core SDG target areas, and the 3.4). UN Environment is also the custodian agency for
manage, conserve and protect freshwater resources. interlinked SDGs, contributing to global, regional and monitoring SDG 6.3.2 on ambient water quality, and will
Use of Market-Based Incentives in Watershed Management; UN Environment has a track record of delivering local policy development and freshwater management support countries to monitor their ambient water quality,
Driving the Green Economy Through Involving Communities and strategic projects at the policy and implementation level. activities. Additionally, UN Environment will use its and develop their capacity to do so. ▸
the Private Sector (UNEP, 2016) Strategic and demonstrative projects are differentiated expertise to lead on the development and use of
This publication, through a number of watershed-level case from pilot projects in that they tangibly show what to do, science-based data monitoring and access tools (see
studies focusing on the private sector and communities, expands and how to do it, and they can be replicated at various Box 3.3). This component of the strategy draws on
UN Environment’s approach to freshwater management, from scales. UN Environment’s unique and well-known knowledge Box 3.4
a focus on regulations to the development of complementary and science-focused capabilities.
models for the protection and rehabilitation of watersheds ●● Draw on its experience and position as a global convenor GEMS/Water:
through community participation schemes, public private of numerous conventions, networks and assessments As introduced in Section 2, UN Environment, through its The work of GEMS/Water consists of three major elements:
partnerships and private investment structures. In addition, it to support country implementation of global goals on Freshwater Strategy, is engaged in a large number of issues coordinating water quality data flows from a world-wide
advocates for the employment of proven market-based incentives the environmental dimensions of freshwater, including related to freshwater with different levels of engagement. network, maintaining the global water quality database (through
to promote the adoption of sustainable land-use and watershed providing support for monitoring, analysis and reporting The rest of this section provides more information on GEMStat), as well as enabling countries to deliver authoritative
management practices, in order to strengthen the participation at the global level on the UN Environment-led water- the strategic areas where UN Environment will provide data through capacity development and trainings. The Water
of local communities and the private sector, reverse ecosystem related targets of the SDGs (see Box 3.2). leadership, contribute to, or actively follow. National and Collaborating Focal Points (NFPs and CFPs) are
degradation and safeguard critical ecosystem services. partner institutions in the countries that deliver water quality
data to the GEMS/Water Data Centre. Furthermore GEMS
Box 3.2 Box 3.3 works with Regional Hubs and partners on the design of
●● Foster integration and partnerships: Over the years water quality monitoring schemes, capacity development and
UN Environment has built on its expertise and Sustainable Development Goal Support Global Environmental Outlook assessments as well as providing services to inform policy
experience to develop a well-respected integrated Following Rio+20 in 2012 and leading up to the 2015 Sustainable UN Environment is well known for its science-based publications making and water management. For more information see
approach to global environmental management. Development Summit, UN Environment successfully used its in the Global Environment Outlook (GEO) series. These http://web.unep.org/gemswater/
UN Environment treats environmental issues as convening power to contribute to and help ensure a consultative comprehensive publications, covering numerous aspects of
multi-dimensional, requiring a range of perspectives process around a potential SDG on water, as well as options global environmental issues in great detail, are used in decision-
and expertise. Through its structure of Thematic Sub- for future follow-up and review processes. UN Environment making, dialogue at all levels of environmental management and
Programs, Divisions focused on areas including science, collaborated with other UN-Water agencies and partners in leadership, and as resources on specific projects of all scales.
policy, and law, and through its Strategic Regional support of a series of technical meetings, country workshops, The freshwater components of these publications provide a key
Presence, UN Environment has taken on the and open online dialogues, as well as preparation of technical example of the interdependent nature of environment issues.
challenge of ensuring that global environmental issues guidance. The outcome of these efforts was a holistic, dedicated GEO-6, to be produced during the timeline of this Freshwater
are addressed through this integrated approach. SDG (SDG 6) on water and sanitation covering the entire water Strategy, will include a focus area on freshwater within its report
The world’s environmental challenges, and specifically cycle (inclusive of water resources management, wastewater on the state and trends, including responses, of the Global
in freshwater, can only be addressed through productive pollution, and water quality) and consensus on a related and Environment.
partnerships that manage, mitigate and ultimately interconnected monitoring and reporting mechanism. As part
leverage a wide range of perspectives (see Box 3.1 for of the GEMI (Integrated Monitoring of Water and Sanitation
an example of a reflection on a wide range of these Related SDG targets13) initiative under UN-Water, UN Environment 3.1 Examples of Priority Freshwater Areas in which
partnerships, including with local communities and has responsibility for assisting countries with achieving SDG 6 UN Environment will Provide Leadership
the private sector). Because of this, UN Environment has targets related to water quality (6.3.2), IWRM (6.5.1) and healthy UN Environment will aim to provide leadership on the
become well known for its partnership approach. freshwater ecosystems (6.6.1). Additionally, UN Environment has following water-related topics in its work, based on its
This approach to partnering ensures that governments a responsibility to assist countries in delivering SDG target 6.3.1. mandate, Programmes of Work and Medium-term Strategies.
have access to the right knowledge and expertise to
10 11
Implementing the
Freshwater Strategy
●● Supporting countries to develop ambient water continue to work closely with the International Water governments and regions determine which ecosystem
quality standards and guidelines. This will include Management Institute (IWMI), the Ramsar Convention, services to prioritise, and develop effective intervention
the continuation of work under the “International the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), strategies to sustainably manage or restore ecosystems.
Water Quality Guidelines for Ecosystems”, led by the European Space Agency (ESA), the Convention In particular, forest restoration offers a considerable
UN Environment at the request of the United Nations on Biological Diversity (CBD), and others, to support opportunity, as shown in a UN Environment study
Environment Assembly. The work will interface countries in monitoring their freshwater ecosystems. outlined in Box 3.8 below.
with activities in support of the water quality aspects of
SDG 6.6.1 on water-related ecosystems. Box 3.5
Box 3.8
●● Addressing current and emerging freshwater pollutants. Rehabilitation of Mali’s Lake Faguibine System.
The Global Wastewater Initiative14 is one of the three From 2008 – 2015, together with the Government of Norway and “Dead Planet, Living Planet – Biodiversity and Ecosystem
global multi-stakeholder partnerships of the Global national partners including the Niger River Basin Authority, this Picture 2 Satellite image of the 5 lakes in the southern Restoration for Sustainable Development”20.
Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine project aimed at rehabilitating Lake Faguibine, which dried up in Sahara desert, 1991 © NASA Forests play a key role in global water supply. At present 75%
Environment from Land-based Activities (GPA), the mid-1970s at the beginning of a prolonged drought lasting of globally usable freshwater supplies come from forested
convened by UN Environment15. The Initiative encourages from the 1970s to the 1990s, with far-reaching implications for catchments, therefore water is critically linked to forests in
investments in the field of sustainable wastewater the livelihoods of more than 200,000 people living in its basin. much of the developing world. Forests are also crucial for flow
management and intends to bring a paradigm shift The rehabilitation efforts aimed to restore the services delivered Box 3.7 regulation and in hindering flash-floods from water originating in
in world water politics to prevent further pollution by the lake’s ecosystems, including forestry and a restored fishery mountains or in extreme rainfall events. This is crucial in terms of
and damage and highlight the fact that wastewater which provides 5,000 tons of fish annually – leading to greater The Role and Contribution of Montane Forests and Related providing predictable water supply to crop areas, such as through
is a valuable resource for future water security. food security through agriculture, improved local business Ecosystem Services to the Kenyan Economy”, also known as the retention of water in wetlands and forests buffering both droughts
Also under the GPA the Global Partnership on Nutrient conditions for fishermen and food for migratory waterbirds, “Kenya Water Towers” study19. and floods. Forests also have a key function in climate regulation
Management (GPNM) supports advocacy and among many other benefits. A study produced by UN Environment, The Role and Contribution through influencing weather and rainfall, as well as in capturing
investment in best practices to minimize polluting of Montane Forests and Related Ecosystem Services to the rain- and mist water, such as in cloud forests and in filtering water.
nutrient losses (reactive forms of nitrogen and Kenyan Economy, analysed the economic cost of deforestation in The opportunities for forest restoration are considerable, since
phosphorus) to the environment from agriculture, ●● Valuation of ecosystem services. UN Environment hosts Kenya’s five high-elevation forests – called ‘water towers’ as these the extent of forest degradation in the tropics has been estimated
wastewater and other point and non-point sources. The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) forests store water during the rainy season and release it slowly, as 350-850 million ha, depending on the level of degradation.
global initiative17. Its principal objective is to mainstream thus ensuring water flow during dry periods. The study showed Indeed, The Global Partnership on Forest Landscape Restoration
●● Ecosystem solutions for improving ambient water the values of biodiversity and ecosystem services into that the five ‘water towers’ provide more than 75 per cent of the (GPFLR) estimates that over 1 billion hectares of previously
quality. This is the topic of UN Environment co-led decision-making at all levels. UN Environment is also the country’s renewable surface water resources annually, by feeding forested lands are currently suitable for broad scale or mosaic
World Water Development Report to be published global administrator for the Intergovernmental Science- more than 15,800 million cubic metres of filtered rainwater to restoration, approximately 6% of the earth’s total land area.
in 2018. This is an example of UN Environment’s Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services rivers and lakes each year. It subsequently demonstrated that
partnering approach, with the UN Educational, Scientific (IPBES)18. This platform strengthens the science-policy the related economic cost of deforestation exceeds national gains
and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and other interface for biodiversity and ecosystem services. from forestry and logging by more than four-to-one. Advancing the Integrated Water Resources Management
members and partners of UN-Water, as well as the As administrator, UN Environment coordinates with the approach (SDG target 6.5): Integrated approaches to
production of practical science-based publications. other UN agencies that are directly engaged: FAO, UNDP, ecosystem management, including IWRM, continue to be
UNESCO. Freshwater management is a key component ●● Other valuation studies carried out in the framework a core part of UN Environment’s Work, including:
●● Report on the global state of water quality and of the IPBES activities. An example of a strategic project of UN Environment’s work on forests and climate change
threats to water quality. Following the 2016 UN valuing ecosystems services in Kenya is provided in Box 3.6. (REDD+) demonstrated the close linkages between ●● Monitoring the implementation of IWRM globally.
Environment publication, “A Snapshot of the forests and water. An example of a landmark project UN Environment is the custodian agency for SDG
World’s Water Quality16,” work will continue towards valuing ecosystem services in Kenya, which came indicator 6.5.1 on IWRM. This work builds on previous
a World Water Quality Assessment, drawing on Box 3.6 to be known as the “Kenya Water Towers” study, is assessments in 2008 and 2012, mandated by the
strong existing science partnerships. provided in Box 3.7. UN Commission on Sustainable Development.
Leadership and launch of “The Economics of Ecosystem UN Environment will work with other organisations and
Protecting and restoring freshwater ecosystems Services of the Tana River Basin” study. ●● Other freshwater-related ecosystem restoration. networks such as the Global Water Partnership and
(SDG target 6.6) This area of focus will include: This study focused on the interdependence of hydrology, UN Environment ensures key ecosystem services, such UNDP Cap-Net to assist countries in reporting on, and
ecology, economics, and stakeholder involvement in the Tana as water retention and nutrient cycling, can be delivered analysing, the degree of implementation of IWRM.
●● Monitoring and restoring the state of freshwater ecosystem in Kenya. The study, developed in collaboration with by designing and implementing tools and methodologies
ecosystems worldwide. Drawing from its experience in a global and local consortium of institutions, provides a policy that maintain, protect and restore ecosystem function, ●● Guidance and strategic activities to demonstrate and
restoring and rehabilitating freshwater ecosystems brief, fact sheet, and environmental report, all of which can be at multiple scales and across sectors. From helping to support integrated freshwater management, including
(see example in Box 3.5), UN Environment is the custodian used and adapted locally, regionally and globally in different ways protect forests in Uganda to restoring Mali’s Lake the effectiveness of conservation efforts and protected
agency for globally monitoring SDG indicator 6.6.1 on for freshwater management and policy-making, for example when Faguibine (Box 3.5), UN Environment uses its expertise areas. For example, UN Environment will seek to
freshwater ecosystem extent and health. As such, it will considering the construction of hydropower projects. as a science-based organization to help national implement strategic projects such as one recently ▸
12 13Implementing the
Freshwater Strategy
implemented in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where and ongoing capacity development support to Member
catchment-based IWRM improved urban water supply States. While more traditional classroom training will
and rural livelihoods in a post-conflict setting (see Box 3.11, always have its place, the growth in Information
in next section on “water-related disaster and conflict”). Communications Technology (ICT) has created new
Another example for IWRM is given from the Darfur opportunities to engage. Examples include open
region (see Box 3.9). online courses, on-the-job training, capacity-building
in projects, curricula development, specialized webinars,
and the use of online serious games, among others.
Box 3.9
●● Establishing context specific institutions for community
Brokering dialogue and supporting livelihoods in Darfur through participation in managing water at the lowest appropriate
IWRM at catchment level levels, including in conflict-affected situations.
In Darfur, Sudan, the establishment of a Catchment Management
Forum allowed for exchange of views and building relationships ●● The IWRM approach also includes transboundary water
between water users and technical decision makers in management and cooperation, covered in more detail in
government. Community visioning processes helped build the section on Priority 2 level of engagement. Picture 3 Chale Swamp Lake, Tanzania © UN Photo
consensus and collaboration between contending pastoralists
and sedentary agriculturalist groups. Key field interventions ●● Understanding and promoting solutions to mitigate the ●● Addressing climate change adaptation through improved
included supporting communities in building and managing Box 3.10 impacts of floods, including erosion and runoff (such as water resources management
rainwater harvesting structures to promote livelihood and food from solid waste, toxic substances, nutrients, pesticides,
security. Development of local hydrological monitoring networks Adapting to Climate Change Induced Water Stress in the Nile fertilizer), their impact on water quality, urban flooding, ●● Addressing climate change impacts on ambient water
helped create a scientific information base for knowledge based River Basin. and damages on natural and man-made infrastructure quality, such as increased erosion and pollution due to
water decision-making. In a comprehensive study of the Nile Basin, UN Environment including freshwater habitats and ecosystem services. flooding.
facilitated an examination of how future river flows are expected
to change across the entire basin. The study combined ●● Understanding the impacts and promoting mitigation Note: Additional interfaces exist for managing environmental
hydrological data with down-scaled climate models. The resulting solutions to drought, including impacts on food production disasters, including through the Post Conflict and Disaster
●● Development of water information and decision basin model allows water managers to evaluate the likely success and irrigation, biodiversity, dilution of polluted freshwater, Management Branch and the UN Environment and OCHA
support systems: UN Environment works with partners of different management strategies. The system is designed to damages on natural and man-made infrastructure Joint Environment Unit. The items listed above supplement
to develop cutting-edge tools and techniques that run on the Nile Basin Initiative’s systems. The methodology can including freshwater habitats and ecosystem services. and complement these mechanisms.
are used by countries to better manage water resources. be replicated in different basins, and the specific outputs can be
An example of this is the initiative funded by the GEF, used by country governments and regional bodies working on ●● Water balance studies and shifts in hydrological regime.
being implemented by the UNEP-DHI Partnership freshwater issues. Understanding and projecting climate change impacts
Center on Water and Environment (UNEP-DHI) and on aquatic ecosystems require a coupling of down-scaled
piloted in Chao Phraya, Lake Victoria and the Volta climate change models with up-scaled hydrological
River Basin, before being globally disseminated and Addressing water-related disasters and conflict (SDG models. For example, under the guidance of UN Box 3.11
made freely available. targets 11.5 & 16.1): The majority of all natural disasters Environment and in collaboration with the Nile Basin
are water-related and their frequency and amplitude are being Initiative and the UK Met Office, a basin-wide modelling Catchment-based IWRM improves urban water supply and rural
●● Establishing cross-sector coordination mechanisms exacerbated by climate change21. Most impacts from study in the Nile river basin was undertaken to livelihoods in post-conflict Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
for improved water management and development: climate change are in fact through changes to the analyse the impacts of climate change on floods and Working with local communities and partners, UN Environment
UN Environment’s comparative advantage means that hydrological cycle. The degradation of ecosystems – droughts (Box 3.10). pioneered the first practical experience in IWRM in the Democratic
it is often called upon to assist countries with sensitive including freshwater ecosystems – is also widely understood Republic of the Congo (DRC) from 2013 - 2016. Given the weak
environmental data gathering and information sharing as a major ●● Efforts to halt and reverse deforestation and forest governance capacity in post-conflict DRC, the initiative focused on
processes. Examples of this include the collaboration driver of disaster and conflict risk and a key component degradation not only reduce carbon emissions, but also a community-based approach towards promoting agroforestry,
with the African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW) of disaster and conflict vulnerability. At the same time as they protect water supplies. Forested watersheds and river source protection and food security while fostering working
and UNEP-DHI to develop and launch the pan-African are being impacted by the effects of climate change, conflict wetlands supply 75% of the world’s accessible freshwater, relationships with government institutions and national policy-
“Water Sector and Sanitation Monitoring and Reporting and disasters, healthy freshwater ecosystems thus also particularly in the world’s largest cities: around one-third making processes to promote sustainability, scale up and
System”. This system is being used by countries to contribute to resilience, adaptation and mitigation efforts. of them obtain a significant proportion of their drinking improvement of local livelihoods. Implemented in the Lukaya River
track regional water and sanitation commitments based UN Environment, in collaboration with the UN Framework water directly from forested protected areas. basin – one of the main watersheds supplying drinking water to
on 78 indicators in more than 40 countries. Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and its related the DRC capital Kinshasa – the project enhanced the performance
bodies such as the Climate Technology Centre and Network ●● Through REDD+ and other initiatives, UN Environment of a major water treatment plant providing 400,000 people with
●● Capacity development: Issue sensitization and knowledge (CTCN) and the Global Climate Fund (GCF), will address works to understand and promote the linkages between drinking water through environmental rehabilitation interventions.
sharing are at the core of UN Environment’s long-term this topic through: forests and water22.
14 15Implementing the
Freshwater Strategy
3.2 Examples of Priority Freshwater Areas to which Box 3.12 UN Environment assesses the value of forests, including Land-water interactions
UN Environment will contribute how natural infrastructure supports sustainable water UN Environment collaborates directly with the United Nations
Beyond the core areas above, UN Environment will aim to Transboundary Waters Assessment Programme management (see Kenyan forest case study in Box 3.7). Convention to Combat Desertification on all of the
actively contribute to the following water-related areas, UN Environment and partners developed a set of indicators and Such studies often show, for example, that both economic environmental issues that fall under its mandate. Freshwater
based on its global mandate. This is related in particular to data sets for assessing the state of aquatic environments in and socio-economic benefits of forest conservation is a key issue under the convention.
the central role of water in ecosystem-based adaptation transboundary rivers. The assessment of 286 transboundary river (for example, freshwater management) far outweigh the
(EBA), ecosystem-based management (EBM), and Integrated basins enabled the identification of basins at risk from a range of short-term benefits of deforestation through logging
Landscape Management (ILM) – key areas of UN issues. This work has established the status of freshwater bodies and land development, amongst other activities. 3.3 Examples of Priority Freshwater Areas which
Environment’s work. as a starting point for interventions aimed at reversing declines. Natural infrastructure has significant potential based UN Environment will Actively Follow
It is also of significant value as a knowledge platform for the UN on its benefits in reducing the vulnerability and increasing There is a great deal of work being done regionally and
Productive uses of water, resource efficiency and Convention on the Law of Non-Navigational Uses of International the adaptation capacity and resilience of societies and globally on freshwater, such as work on drinking water
sustainable withdrawals (SDG target 6.4, SDG 12) Watercourses (the UN Watercourses Convention), ratified in ecosystems to changes in the water cycle, including the and sanitation access, water for agriculture and energy,
While not directly under the “custodianship” of UN Environment, August 2014. As a demonstrative project, the methodology can effects of water-related disasters, conflicts and climate and water stress management, for which water resources
it is clear that sustainable water withdrawals play a key be used in continuing science-based research, assessment and change. The 2018 World Water Development Report (WWDR) and freshwater ecosystems are an important underlying
role in ensuring the health of freshwater ecosystems. While decision-making. and World Water Day will focus on Nature-Based Solutions, factor. UN Environment will continue to actively follow, and
increasing water efficiency and reducing water withdrawals, for which UN Environment will take a lead role. engage where possible, with global and regional water,
enough water must be available to ensure adequate environmental and development agendas, based on its global
environmental flows. In support of integrated monitoring of Source-to-sea linkages mandate. This is done in part by engaging actively with
SDG 6 targets under UN-Water, UN Environment will work UN Environment hosts the Global Programme of Action for Box 3.13 the UN’s inter-agency coordination mechanism on freshwater
with the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) and other the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-based and sanitation, UN-Water, and also through coordinating
partners to strive to decouple ecosystem and productive Activities (GPA)24. GPA focuses its efforts on three source Reaching out to Basin Organizations for Transboundary and mainstreaming the freshwater-related work through the
water use needs; promote the understanding of virtual water categories: marine litter, wastewater and nutrient pollution. Freshwater Governance various strategic priorities, units, divisions and regional
and water trading within and between countries; conduct The GPA has established three global multi-stakeholder Basin organizations are crucial in supporting the implementation offices of UN Environment itself. ●
water footprint analyses; better water use efficiency and partnerships to lend advocacy, policy and technical advisory and integration of internationally agreed environmental goals and
understanding of the trade-offs and connections between support to address each issue. objectives, such as those embedded in multilateral environmental
water being used for food, energy and ecosystems, for example. agreements, into national and basin-wide water management
Aquatic biodiversity schemes. In the past few years, UN Environment and partners
Transboundary water management UN Environment is the convenor of the Convention on Biological such as the International Network of Basin Organizations (INBO)
The world’s 286 transboundary river basins, covering half of Diversity (CBD)25. With the Freshwater Strategy as a guide, have reached out to basin organizations around the globe and
the Earth’s land surface and accounting for around 60% of UN Environment will continue to drive the global dialogue on engaged them as key actors in strengthening environmental
global freshwater resources, impact upon every region and freshwater in relation to biodiversity, particularly focusing governance systems at the international level and across
most countries in the world: 148 Member States of the UN on the final years of the United Nations Decade on Biodiversity the respective basins. International Environment Forums for
share water across their borders, and 21 countries lie entirely (2011-2020), and working towards achieving the Aichi Basin Organizations bring together water ministers, heads of
within transboundary water basins23. Biodiversity Targets by 2020. UN Environment will also support international organizations and other delegates from participating
Encouraging and supporting countries to collaborate working towards SDG Target 15 on ecosystems and governments, basin organizations, and many partner institutions
in the management of these water resources is a key priority biodiversity. to share approaches and experiences to strengthening freshwater
of UN Environment, and an important component of governance in their countries and regions, and discuss ways to
the IWRM concept (SDG target 6.5). In addition, UN Environment Natural water infrastructure enhance implementation of basin-level agreements and relevant
is contributing to other efforts to understand and UN Environment takes special interest in promoting natural global conventions, especially in light of the entry into force of
study transboundary water cooperation, such as through water infrastructure and other nature-based solutions, in the UN Convention on the Law of the Non-Navigational Uses of
assessments (see Box 3.12), the strengthening of basin particular as they support and underpin traditional “grey” International Watercourses in August 2014.
organizations (Box 3.13) and the development of tools for infrastructure in the water sector. In supporting this work,
the management of floods and drought in transboundary which includes making the environmental, social and
river basins. financial “case” for investing in natural water infrastructure,
16 174 Theory of
Change
The Freshwater Strategy is built in alignment with SDG mitigation of risks, economic development and ecology
targets, UN Environment’s overall mandate, and specific for present and future generations. The outcome is envisaged
goals and issues related to freshwater. The strategy is to be that SDG freshwater targets directly within UN
intended to facilitate positive, measurable and substantive Environment’s mandate are on track, measured and monitored
change at global, regional and national levels. well, with demonstrated improvements at all levels. This
Our theory of change centers on supporting countries supports countries to not only meet the direct water-related
to progressively improve the state of their freshwater SDG targets but also to achieve many other goals and
ecosystems and water resources so that threatened targets of the Agenda 2030 for sustainable development.
ecosystems become well managed, climate resilient, healthy See the Theory of Change Process below. ●
and able to sustain their services for human needs, the
Outcomes Improved effectiveness of Assumptions: Rationale:
freshwater resources Countries are interested in, and A proactive approach to
management through policy have the capacity to engage in influencing the dialogue and
guidance supported by implementation-level activities activities in freshwater
demonstrative projects and in improved monitoring and management will have a direct
support in implementation management of freshwater and impact on the tangible
Examples of ●● Countries supported to ●● Ecosystem health ●● Policy guidance and strategic at national, regional and global related ecosystems. components of freshwater-
Outputs develop ambient water assessments in a changing activities provided to member levels. related SDGs.
quality standards and climate undertaken in more states to demonstrate and The level of effort required to
guidelines and at least 60 than 40 countries. support effective freshwater Paradigm shift in water shift freshwater management
countries reporting regularly management, including the management at all levels on SDG paradigms and mindsets is
●● Integrated approaches to
through GEMS/Water. effectiveness of conservation targets 6.3, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6, 11.5. commensurate with the capacity
ecosystem management,
efforts and protected areas. of UN Environment.
●● Current and emerging including IWRM, monitored
Measurable and effective
freshwater pollutants and supported in more than ●● Ecosystem impacts and
actions in all areas related to Donors engage and are inspired
supported under the GPA. 100 countries. mitigation of human risks
freshwater SDGs will be by the renewed paradigm for
related to floods and droughts
●● Ecosystem solutions for ●● Development of data positively impacting on ambient freshwater related SDG targets
analysed and demonstrated.
improving ambient water collection, repositories and water quality, water resources and respond with funding.
quality reported through presentation platforms ●● Global baseline data on management, ecosystem UN agencies and organizations
World Water Development developed for UN SDG indicators 6.3.2, 6.5.1 health and risk mitigation. collaborate on mutually aligned
Report 2018. Environment led SDG 6 and 6.6.1 collected, quality activities and objectives
indicators. controlled and reported. through partnerships.
Intermediary Countries are provided capacity Assumptions: Rationale: Impacts Threatened water-related Assumptions: Rationale:
outcomes building, tools, assessments, Countries are willing and able to Improved implementation ecosystems are well managed, Countries are committed to Project interventions support
data and information in order absorb, utilize and leverage the of policies for freshwater climate resilient, healthy and implementing Agenda 2030 an environment conducive
to mitigate risks and implement assistance provided. management, especially at able to sustain their services for and water-related targets. for sustaining sustainable
water related SDGs through national and regional levels, human needs, economic management of water
reducing pollution and Partner priorities for making use will have a direct and positive development and ecology for resources, mitigating risks,
improving management of of capacities and implementing impact in water resources present and future generations. preventing water pollution
water resources and their IWRM/EBM in practice management, ecosystem health and maintaining healthy
ecosystems. continues and human wellbeing. SDG freshwater targets directly freshwater ecosystems.
within UN Environment’s
Donors continue to support mandate are measured,
(financial and technical) UN reported and with demonstrated
Environment freshwater related improvements at all levels.
work.
Policy dialogue and action at all
levels is engaging, sustained,
and growing, positively impacting
freshwater and related
ecosystem management globally.
18 195 An Adaptive Approach:
Reviewing and Revising the
Freshwater Strategy
5.1 Monitoring and Revising the Freshwater Strategy ●● The private sector as a financing partner for
The Freshwater Strategy is intended to be a living document, UN Environment.
with revisions possible from both internal review processes
and inputs from partners (see Section 5.2). In the mid-term ●● Private sector actors as ‘project implementation’
review scheduled for 2019, UN Environment will explore partners contributing with human, technical and other
lessons learned, accomplishments, challenges, and the in-kind resources.
evolving dynamics of freshwater leadership and management
globally. UN Environment will revise the strategy to adapt ●● Partnering with the private sector to access new and
to major changes in environmental conditions and/or innovative technology and as a driver of demand
environmental leadership globally. The mid-term review is for environmentally friendly and sustainable products
intended to act as a milestone for the strategy, and as and solutions.
an opportunity to evaluate progress and tell the story of
freshwater management globally. A proactive communication ●● Partnering with major companies to create ‘blue and
approach will be included as an output of the mid-term review. green’ jobs and build local business – adding value by
sustaining the supply chain. Picture 4 National Tapajos Forest, Brazil © UN Photo
5.2 Strategic Partnerships ●● UN Environment can become an attractive partner
In the spirit of SDG 17 to strengthen the means of for the private sector by strengthening legal and Annex: Examples of partnerships Global organizations with which UN Environment is
implementation and revitalise the Global Partnership for institutional arrangements that ensure stable and fair The nature of partnerships will vary depending on UN engaged include the Gender Water Alliance, the Global Water
Sustainable Development, UN Environment will actively seek conditions for market actors, create markets related Environment’s level of engagement. In the four strategic Partnership (GWP), the International Network of Basin
partners to provide input and assist in the implementation to ecosystem services, and help minimize business risks areas where UN Environment will provide leadership, Organizations (INBO), the International Water Management
of its Freshwater Strategy. related to access, allocation and pollution of water UN Environment has the mandate, capacity and expert Institute (IWMI), the research programme on water, land
UN Environment will build upon existing partnerships, such resources. knowledge to attract appropriate and effective partners and ecosystems of the Consultative Group on International
as those from the UN system which serve as Members, from the United Nations system, other global, regional or Agricultural Research (CGIAR), the International Lake
and outside NGOs, private sector and academic organizations ●● Done right, the private sector can also be an excellent national organizations, the private sector and non- Environment Committee (ILEC), the International Union for
which collaborate as Partners, of UN-Water 26, and also partner for communications, advocacy, outreach, and governmental organizations. To be successful, each partner Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the World Wildlife
seek to develop new ones from the United Nations system, as a learning resource for best practices. needs to be clear about the mutual benefits of the Fund (WWF).
other global, regional or national organizations, research / partnership and how the resources will be generated and Other partners include regional intergovernmental
academia, non-governmental organizations and the private used. Partners should also be seen as equals in the entities, the African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW),
sector. 5.3 Communication of the Freshwater Strategy process and where possible bring their own resources and the League of Arab States and specialized centres such
The private sector ranges from multi-nationals, small and Communication of success stories, lessons learned, and not be viewed as implementing agencies. In the areas as the Water Centre for the Humid Tropics of Latin America
medium enterprises, to small scale local operators and challenges encountered along the journey of strategy that UN Environment will contribute to and actively follow, and the Caribbean (CATHALAC) in Latin America, along
the informal sector. Collectively the private sector is a major implementation is considered a critical success factor for UN Environment will support partners by, for example, with the private sector and multilateral and bilateral
water user, consumer and polluter worldwide. At the the Freshwater Strategy. providing expertise, tools, access to networks, and resources development partners.
same time, in most countries, the private sector is the major Specifically, UN Environment is tasking itself with where possible. New mechanisms for building partnerships will be
employer, educator, innovator and income generator developing and implementing a proactive publication UN Environment is actively engaged in a range of explored, including access to tools such as UNEP Live.
– both for governments in the form of corporate taxes as well approach embedded within the strategy. Already mandated existing networks and partnership arrangements, for example A strategic partnership approach also needs to consider the
as for individuals. Partnering with the private sector is with the monitoring of SDG targets 6.3, 6.5 and 6.6, with those within the United Nations system and other demands, planning horizons and institutional procedures
essential to address many of the world’s freshwater related UN Environment will strengthen its monitoring by outside organizations through UN-Water, such as the Food associated with the replication of promising pilot or
problems, to lift people and countries out of poverty and communicating the monitoring findings through a range and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), demonstration activities, taking into consideration specific
to achieve sustainable development. UN Environment could of media and fora. the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), UNESCO conditions and circumstances and, where appropriate,
consider several forms of engagement and partnerships (including the World Water Assessment Programme), the using South-South or triangular cooperation mechanisms.
with the private sector, such as: United Nations Human Settlements Programme A closer relationship during the piloting phase should
(UN-Habitat), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), help to build ownership and confidence in the approach
●● The private sector as a recipient of UN Environment the World Health Organization (WHO), the CEO Water for roll-out funding support and help to minimize delays
policy and technical advice, capacity development Mandate under the United Nations Global Compact, and others. in moving from trial to full implementation. ●
and interventions.
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