Freshwater

Crops are heavily dependent on freshwater as almost 60 percent of all the world's freshwater withdrawals go towards irrigation uses. Improved cropping systems can also improve the water retention capacity of the soil and enhance water provision.

Livestock are an important user of freshwater resources. This water footprint mostly comes from the feed they consume. It is estimated that livestock use 15% of global agriculture water. On the other hand, grasslands are a significant ecosystem in many of the world's important watersheds. Grassland cover can capture 50 to 80 percent more water compared to uncovered soils, reducing risks of drought and floods. Traditional grazing pastures are some of the most water productive of the land uses.

Sustainable fisheries management and aquaculture development can support freshwater provision from aquatic ecosystems. Aquaculture, when protecting existing ponds for example, can be a steward of freshwater resources. Sustainable management of freshwaters is key and including fish and fisheries management in water management frameworks is needed to sustain this service.

Forests help maintain healthy aquatic ecosystems and provide reliable supplies of clean freshwater. Forests do not only filter and clean water, they also help prevent soil erosion, reduce sedimentation in reservoirs and mitigate the risks of landslides, mudflows and floods, all problems that can threaten downstream water supplies. And while forests themselves consume water, they also improve infiltration rates, thereby helping recharge underground aquifers. Loss of forest cover can adversely affect freshwater supplies.