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A framework for freshwater ecosystem management

One of the main challenges in managing freshwater ecosystems lies in finding the balance between short-term socioeconomic development objectives and the need to protect and restore freshwater ecosystems to support more sustainable, long-term socioeconomic wellbeing.

Potable Water System Rehabilitation

UN Environment has developed a publication series entitled ‘A Framework for Freshwater Ecosystem Management’. The main aim of the series is to support countries to sustainably manage freshwater ecosystems. In doing so, it supports national and international goals related to freshwater ecosystems, such as the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets.

  • Volume 1 of the series, ‘Overview and guide for country implementation’, provides an overview of the Framework, and places it in the context of supporting Agenda 2030. It is intended for a wide audience, including decision makers, practitioners, scientists, non-governmental organizations and the general public.
  • Volume 2, ‘Technical guide for classification and target-setting’, describes aspects of the Framework in more technical detail: classification systems for freshwater ecosystem types, setting targets for ecological status, and monitoring progress against these targets. It is primarily aimed at government agency staff responsible for the sustainable management of freshwater ecosystems.

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