Produced by the Inter-Divisional Water Group, a community of practice across UNEP, this document delineates the role of freshwater action in meeting water-related SDG’s and in addressing the three interlinked planetary crises, as recognized in UNEP’s Medium-Term Strategy:

• Climate change
• Nature and biodiversity loss
• Pollution and waste

Freshwater bodies, which are essential to the health of people, economies, and the planet alike, are directly, and in some cases disproportionately, affected by all three crises. At the same, when functional, freshwater bodies are strong allies in combating these crises. Healthy freshwater bodies can help protect and restore biodiversity, mitigate pollution through water filtration and purification, and contribute to climate stability by providing both mitigation and adaptation benefits.

As the world lags in meeting water-related SDGs and targets, there is an urgent need for stepping up freshwater action. Through this document, UNEP aims to support the implementation of its Medium-Term Strategy, 2022-2025, and further facilitate measurable and substantive progress on freshwater issues at global, regional and national levels.