Across the globe, the World Conservation Union (IUCN) – demonstrates how well managed water-related ecosystems support the provision of goods and services that are essential to reduce poverty. They provide the basic resources on which many livelihoods depend. In its field projects, IUCN involves local communities, research organizations, expert networks, governments and non-governmental agencies to turn the principle of ecosystem management into sustainable solutions.

The Water and Nature Initiative is an action programme which brings together stakeholders to demonstrate the sustainable management of water resources. Through field projects IUCN members and partners test how stakeholder participation, improved water governance and innovative financing can improve livelihoods and maintain healthy ecosystems. WANI encourages and assists societies throughout the world to conserve the integrity and diversity of nature and to ensure that use of water resources is equitable and ecologically sustainable. WANI strives to achieve healthy river basins that provide sustainable ecosystem.

http://www.iucn.org/themes/wani/