11/10/2025
16:00 - 17:30
Hall 4C: Forum - Session Room 3
Session with interpretation
Why attend
Explore how this country-led initiative drives freshwater ecosystem restoration and conservation, contributing to 30x30. Connect with IUCN members, from both countries and civil society organizations, who unite to advance the Freshwater Challenge. Discover solutions, success stories, and ways to help restore millions of hectares of rivers, lakes, and wetlands globally.
Session Description
The Freshwater Challenge is a bold global initiative to restore 300,000 km of degraded rivers and 350 million hectares of wetlands by 2030 while conserving vital freshwater ecosystems. This session will examine the urgent need for freshwater conservation and restoration, progress since its 2023 UN Water Conference launch, and growing momentum among member countries and stakeholders. Participants will explore pathways to its core objectives—integrating freshwater protection into global frameworks, setting measurable national targets, and accelerating action through increased investment. Experts and policymakers will discuss strategies to overcome challenges, mobilize resources, and drive impactful change. The session will highlight collaboration between the private sector, governments, and civil society to scale up conservation and restoration. With 49 countries and the EU supporting the Challenge, nations are encouraged to incorporate freshwater goals into commitments. This initiative exemplifies how IUCN members can build momentum and drive meaningful action through strategic collaboration.Organised by
Headquarters
Partners
Headquarters
Wetlands International ( Netherlands (Kingdom of the) )
The Nature Conservancy ( United States of America )
World Wide Fund for Nature - International ( Switzerland )
Conservation International ( United States of America )