Freshwater biodiversity in Africa is threatened by population growth, poorly planned infrastructure and unpredictable changes in water quantity and quality due to climate change. Watersheds attract development, leading to increased pollution and competing demands for water resources. Millions of people still lack access to basic water, sanitation and hygiene services. The sustainability of freshwater resources and WASH projects depend on the conservation of the broader watershed. With support from the United States Agency for International Development’s Africa Bureau, the Africa Biodiversity Collaborative Group members Conservation International, its affiliate Conservation South Africa, and the Jane Goodall Institute piloted innovative projects that integrate freshwater conservation and WASH activities in landscapes in South Africa and Uganda to address these challenges. This presentation will showcase lessons from the 2018 ABCG lessons learned report.
