The upcoming XVIII World Water Congress is set to host a special session focused on the pressing need for durable protection and finance innovation for water and freshwater ecosystem. The session, led by Dr. Bo Yang, Freshwater Program Director at The Nature Conservancy (TNC) China program, will take place on September 11th, 2023, from 14:30 to 16:00 in Room 12.

Freshwater ecosystems, a vital cornerstone of human life, face unprecedented threats globally. The special session will spotlight these challenges, exploring how passionate individuals can contribute to durable protection and innovative financial solutions in the context of climate change and biodiversity loss.

Key session highlights:

⚫ Learn about real-world threats facing freshwater ecosystems.

⚫ Discover strategies for long-term protection and sustainable management.

⚫ Explore nature-based solutions for resilience.

⚫ Dive into innovative financing mechanisms for conservation efforts.

The session has invited Andrea Erickson, a water security expert from TNC, Bob Tansey, a global policy expert from TNC, and Dr. Daqing Chen from the Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences to deliver keynote speeches, and also has invited many experts in related fields at home and abroad to join panel discussions.

The session will delve into the practicalities of durable protection and effective management by showcasing the experiences of the Yangtze River and addressing these issues through keynote presentations and panel discussions. It is an unparalleled opportunity awaits those who are truly passionate about the well-being of freshwater ecosystems, and we invite participants who share a profound affection for nature, to join the discourse on safeguarding our freshwater ecosystems for future generations.