Watershed Protection

Southeastern U.S. Rivers and Streams

A globally significant center of freshwater biodiversity

The Southeastern U.S. Rivers and Streams work focuses on the Tennessee, Cumberland and Mobile River basins. Water reuse practices have become a focus, with pilot projects underway in several areas. In addition, more than 1,500 rain barrels from Coca-Cola have been distributed to capture water run off during rain events, which has initiated a national launch to local watershed groups and bottlers.

Lakes Niassa (Malawi) and Chiuta

Possibly the most unique -- and as yet unspoiled -- freshwater ecosystem on the planet

The work in this Coastal East Africa region centers on securing the livelihoods of local communities and conserving the unique biological diversity of Lake Niassa (Malawi). Work includes the establishment of reserves in each lake, training and accrediting community rangers to patrol the area, and certifying community fishing councils to oversee fishing licenses and registrations.

Mekong

The freshwater source of 60 million people in southeast Asia and home to more fish species than any river other than the Amazon

The partnership work in the Mekong is centered on influencing national policies for freshwater resource conservation through community management and local sustainable agricultural practices, targeted on two sub-basins -- one in Thailand (Chi River Subcatchment), the other in Vietnam (Plain of Reeds). Projects include constructing local village nurseries, planting trees for erosion control and advocating reform of wetlands policy.

Yangtze

The lifeblood of central China, supporting over 400 million people and countless fish and wildlife species

The partnership goal in the Yangtze is to inspire better governance and sustainable river management practices across the basin. One partnership initiative is focused on training local residents on a scorecard that raises awareness and actively engages participants in tracking environmental indicators over time; another is aimed at developing low cost pollution control measures.

Mesoamerican Reef Catchments

The cloud forests of the Sierra de las Minas Biosphere Reserve of Guatemala, source of water for dozens of local communities and a vital link in the ridges-to-reef ecosystem that supports the spectacular Mesoamerican Reefs

Demonstrating private investment benefits in freshwater conservation and river basin management is the emphasis of partnership initiatives in the river basins above the Mesoamerican Reef. To encourage water quality maintenance, the partnership helped create the Water Fund, which is supported by projects including reduction of household firewood consumption and fire control and prevention.

Danube

The freshwater hub of Europe

The Danube is known as Europe's lifeline and the world's most international river basin. The partnership work is helping to restore wetlands in Romania, Bulgaria and Hungary, providing critical habitat for the Danube's rich flora and fauna, restoring sturgeon migration across the Iron Gate Dams, and promoting and supporting solid river basin management through best practices exchange.

Rio Grande/Rio Bravo

An iconic river of the American southwest (the fastest growing region in the U.S.) and northern Mexico -- and the freshwater source for 10 million people

The Rio Grande (Rio Bravo in Mexico) flows 1,885 miles and serves as a natural boundary between the U.S. and Mexico. The partnership is working to improve environmental flows at seven key sites along the Rio Grande and its primary tributary, the Rio Conchos. Projects underway include control of thirsty invasive plant species and voluntary transfers of water rights.