Most of sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is under pressure from increasing population growth, urbanization, and consumption, as well as poorly-planned infrastructure development. All these factors are negatively impacting the quality and availability of freshwater resources. By linking freshwater conservation and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), Africa Biodiversity Collaborative Group (ABCG) partners expect reduced watershed degradation and pollution will help increase the health of watershed ecosystems and species.

Watershed conservation contributes to the long-term sustainability of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services. Protecting watersheds and free-flowing river systems, lakes, streams, intact wetlands, and groundwater recharge areas not only bolsters ecosystem resilience, but also helps protect WASH infrastructure from the impacts of natural disasters.