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2018 UN World Water Development Report, Nature-based Solutions for Water

WWDR 2018 ©WWAP

The 2018 edition of the World Water Development Report (WWDR 2018) seeks to inform policy and decision-makers, inside and outside the water community, about the potential of nature-based solutions (NBS) to address contemporary water management challenges across all sectors, and particularly regarding water for agriculture, sustainable cities, disaster risk reduction and water quality.

NBS use or mimic natural processes to enhance water availability (e.g., soil moisture retention, groundwater recharge), improve water quality (e.g., natural and constructed wetlands, riparian buffer strips), and reduce risks associated with water-related disasters and climate change (e.g., floodplain restoration, green roofs).

The WWDR2018, titled Nature-based solutions for water, demonstrates how nature-based solutions (NBS) offer a vital means of moving beyond business-as-usual to address many of the world’s water challenges while simultaneously delivering additional benefits vital to all aspects of sustainable development.

Currently, water management remains heavily dominated by traditional, human-built (i.e. ‘grey’) infrastructure and the enormous potential for NBS remains under-utilized. NBS include green infrastructure that can substitute, augment or work in parallel with grey infrastructure in a cost-effective manner. The goal is to find the most appropriate blend of green and grey investments to maximize benefits and system efficiency while minimizing costs and trade-offs.

NBS for water are central to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development because they also generate social, economic and environmental co-benefits, including human health and livelihoods, food and energy security, sustainable economic growth, decent jobs, ecosystem rehabilitation and maintenance, and biodiversity. Although NBS are not a panacea, they will play an essential role towards the circular economy and in building a more equitable future for all.

Working with nature improves the management of water resources, helps achieve water security for all, and supports the core aspects of sustainable development.

The World Water Development Report was presented at the 8th World Water Forum, in Brasilia (Brazil) on the 19th of March.

More on the launch ceremony

Download the report

  • Main messages
     
  • Facts and Figures
    English | Français | Español (pdf)
    Italiano | Português (pdf)

    Cite as: "WWAP (United Nations World Water Assessment Programme). 2018. The United Nations World Water Development Report 2018: Nature-based Solutions. Paris, UNESCO."

  • Presentation*
    English (Download link, ppt)
  • Speaking notes
    English | Español (pdf)
    *When quoting or using parts of this presentation, please cite as: “WWAP Presentation: Launch of the UN World Water Development Report 2018”

WWDR 2018: Regional Launches

In order to better disseminate the WWDR 2018 key findings and to add momentum to the pivot launch event during the 8th World Water Forum in Brazil on 19 March, WWAP organizes an Information Meeting for the Representatives of the Member States at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris (3 April).

In parallel, over 30 regional launches of the 2018 report are being organized around the world thanks to the initiative of local and national institutions, interested partners, UN agencies and their field offices. 

More on the regional launches

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