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NATURE FOR DEVELOPMENT

NATURE FOR WATER SECURITY

Level: Introductory | Estimated completion time: 2 hours | Certificate upon completion

Skills: Understanding nature’s role in water systems, applying nature-based solutions to water management, linking water security to global goals, recognizing water-related risks and trends

Water security depends on healthy ecosystems. Forests, wetlands, and grasslands regulate water flow, filter pollutants, and build resilience against droughts and floods. This journey explores how nature-based solutions can protect and restore water resources while supporting biodiversity, climate adaptation, and sustainable development. Through practical examples, case studies, and tools, you’ll learn how to integrate nature into water policy, planning, and management strategies.

Task 1: Why does nature matter for water security?
Task 2: Key ecosystems essential for water security
Task 3: The value of water for sustainable development
Task 4: Trends in nature for water security
Task 5: Key messages on the value of nature for water security
Stop and check 1
Task 6: Benefits of nature-based solutions (NBS) for water
Task 7: Types of nature-based solutions for water management
Stop and check 2
Task 8: Implementing and scaling up nature-based solutions for water management
Task 9: Photo essay: The “Flying Rivers” Protecting the Water Cycle
Final test
Certificate of completion
REFERENCES

Additional Resources

Report
Mountains and Glaciers: Water Towers (UNESCO)
The report underscores the critical role of mountains and glaciers in global water supply and calls for urgent action to protect these vulnerable ecosystems from climate change and overuse.
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Publication
Nature-Based Solutions for Agricultural Water Management and Food Security (FAO)
This paper highlights the potential of nature-based solutions for sustainable water management and ecosystem preservation, and the need for ecosystem valuation, stakeholder collaboration, and adequate funding.
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Report
Nature-Based Solutions for Water (UN)
This report demonstrates how nature-based solutions offer a vital means of moving beyond business-as-usual to address many of the world’s water challenges, while simultaneously delivering additional benefits.
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Report
Beyond the Source (The Nature Conservancy)
This report makes the case for investing in nature-based solutions for urban water security, including protection and restoration of forests, wetlands and other ecosystems.
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Thematic Brief
Nature-based Solutions to Emerging Water Management Challenges in the Asia-Pacific Region (UNEP)
This brief shows how nature-based solutions can improve water management and climate resilience in Asia-Pacific. It shares regional case studies and guidance to support scaling up sustainable, cost-effective approaches.
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Toolkit
50+ Ways to Integrate Biodiversity & Nature-based Solutions (UNSCEB)
An outline of joint UN actions to implement the Common Approach on biodiversity and nature-based solutions, mapping activities, examples, responsible entities, existing resources, and SDG links across three impact areas and 15 objectives.
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Booklet
The High Cost of Cheap Water (WWF)
This booklet highlights the risks of overconsumption of water on human health, livelihoods, economies and security, and makes the case for investing in nature for water security and co-benefits.
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Publication
Turning the Tide: A Call to Collective Action (Global Commission on the Economics of Water)
This publication calls for a sea change in how we value, manage and use water – our most precious global collective good.
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Report
Scaling up Nature-Based Solutions to Tackle Water-Related Climate Risks (OECD)
This analysis looks at scaling up nature-based solutions in two countries, and includes emerging best practices, and an assessment of key challenges.
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Brochure
Nature-based Solutions for Water Management: A Primer (UNEP, IUCN)
This brochure provides an overview of the types of nature-based solutions and covers key issues related to scaling and finance.
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