Fresh water is a shared resource that people and all wildlife on land depend on. So we are excited to announce an ambitious new freshwater initiative in Africa that aims to support human well-being and safeguard the environment.
Under the Blue Heart of Africa initiative, we’re working alongside four global organizations, which are experts in drinking water, sanitation and hygiene, to help ensure that Africa’s freshwater resources are managed effectively – both maintaining Africa’s rich biodiversity and vital natural systems, and setting strong foundations for sustainable development and secure livelihoods. WWF Africa Region Director Alice Ruhweza said: “We don’t have time to waste; integrated actions are needed now to ensure Africa’s sustainable water future – before climate change, rapid urbanization, and future potential global pandemics combine to lead us down an inescapable path. By working together, we can lift up both human health and landscape health simultaneously for the benefit of all.” The innovative “One Health” approach of this initiative, which sees human and ecosystem health as being interconnected, will see WWF collaborating with Water.org, IRC-WASH, WaterAid and CARE.