IUCN President Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak Emphasises Global Need For Freshwater Ecosystem Restoration

Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, President of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), emphasised the importance of freshwater ecosystems in tackling global sustainability issues. She spoke at the One Water Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Her comments coincided with the recognition of the Freshwater Challenge as an official Water Outcome of COP28, hosted in the UAE.

The Freshwater Challenge aims to restore 300,000 km of degraded rivers and 350 million hectares of wetlands by 2030. This initiative has gained international support, with Australia and Kazakhstan recently joining. Al Mubarak encouraged more countries to participate, highlighting the commitment shown by existing members.

During the summit, Carlos Manuel Rodriguez, CEO of the Global Environment Facility (GEF), announced a US$5 million investment in the Freshwater Challenge. This funding will address critical needs identified by member countries and support innovative projects involving youth and local communities.

Rodriguez stated, "The GEF is proud to announce an investment of US$5 million into the Freshwater Challenge as this critical country-led initiative will be key to achieving the 30x30 targets in the Global Biodiversity Framework." The contribution will also promote innovative metrics and communication efforts.

The GEF's investment is complemented by over US$10 million in co-financing from various sources, including private sector entities and NGOs. In the coming months, efforts will focus on increasing co-financing and defining project details with member countries.

The One Water Summit was held alongside the 16th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in Riyadh. This event underscores UAE's leadership in fostering partnerships for freshwater conservation.

UAE's Leadership Role

The UAE's involvement aligns with its vision for sustainable development and global water security. The Freshwater Challenge was launched at a previous Water Conference in 2023 as a country-led initiative supported by IUCN and other organisations.

"Water is a global challenge, but also a local issue," said Al Mubarak. "We need to empower local communities and civil society organisations to take better care of freshwater ecosystems."

Importance of Local Engagement

Al Mubarak highlighted that wetlands are crucial for preventing floods and droughts while storing carbon efficiently. She noted that Liberia has included wetlands in its national contributions under UNFCCC; Ecuador has created new Water Protection Areas; Cambodia has initiated a programme for restoring flooded forests.

"Water is something most of us take for granted—we see it as a commodity for cooking, bathing, industry, and even removing waste. But water is much more than that. It is life itself," said Al Mubarak.

Recognising Water's True Value

Al Mubarak urged countries to incorporate rivers, lakes, wetlands, and peatlands into their national strategies under the three Rio Conventions. With 87% of wetlands lost globally over 300 years, restoring these ecosystems is vital for climate resilience and economic sustainability.

This landmark event highlights UAE's role as a leader in driving innovative solutions for freshwater conservation worldwide. By collaborating effectively with governments and businesses reliant on water resources, skills can be maximised to restore these critical ecosystems.

With inputs from WAM