Forest Trends Releases State of Water Investment Report

Last year, governments and companies invested $9.6 billion in initiatives implementing nature-based solutions to sustain the world’s clean water supplies. According to a new report announced September 2 from Forest Trends’ Ecosystem Marketplace, this funding supports healthy watersheds that naturally filter water, absorb storm surges, and perform other critical functions. Funding flowed to more than seven million households and restored and protected a total of 365 million ha (902 million ac) of land, an area larger than the country of India. The report, “Gaining Depth: State of Water Investment 2014,” was launched at World Water Week in Stockholm, Sweden.

Up from $8.2 billion in investment tracked in 2011, the researchers say the sector’s continued growth and near doubling of the hundreds of operational programs reflects governments’ desire to secure water quality and availability with affordable strategies that can complement or replace industrial infrastructure.