WWF is working to secure environmental water flows for both people and nature through responsible water infrastructure and use.
Securing water for people and the environment
WWF's Global Freshwater Programme uses a scientific process that recognizes the tradeoffs between the role of dams and water abstractions for water and energy development, and their detrimental effects on biodiversity, ecosystem services, and riparian livelihoods.
The work includes:
- Conducting environmental flow assessments and developing related guidelines
- Promoting sustainable dams, hydropower and other water infrastructure
- Influencing decision makers to integrate environmental water needs into national laws and polices while allowing equitable water allocation
- Integrating environmental water needs into river basin polices and plans
"Environmental flows" are defined as the quantity, timing, and quality of water flows required to sustain freshwater and estuarine ecosystems that human livelihoods and well-being depend on. (Brisbane Declaration)
Changes to environmental flows are a key driver of ecosystem decline. These changes are caused by the construction of dams for energy, water storage and flood control; by the abstraction of surface and groundwater for use in industry, agriculture and homes; and, increasingly, climate change.
Changes to environmental flows are a key driver of ecosystem decline. These changes are caused by the construction of dams for energy, water storage and flood control; by the abstraction of surface and groundwater for use in industry, agriculture and homes; and, increasingly, climate change.
TEDxWWF talk on Mekong Dam
By Stuart Chapman
One of the richest areas of biodiversity in the world, the Mekong basin is also used to generate energy.
Stuart Chapman explains how and why another dam is a risk for both the ecosystem and the population that lives in the Region.
Stuart Chapman explains how and why another dam is a risk for both the ecosystem and the population that lives in the Region.
