News

Nature for Water (N4W) is inviting proposals for the development of a Governance Structure and a Sustainable Funding Road Map to support the Lower Kafue Sub-Catchment Watershed Investment Program (LKSC WIP). This work will complement the ongoing Design Phase of the LKSC WIP.

Why it matters:
Previous analysis by N4W revealed that the LKSC WIP’s portfolio of nature-based solutions could increase annual flow in the Kafue River by approximately 10%, equivalent to 1.1 billion m³ of water. Your contribution could help turn this potential into reality.
▪️ Refer to the Terms of Reference (ToR) below
▪️ Deadline for applications: November 21st, COB (Eastern Standard Time)
▪️ Questions? Reach out to: diana.madrigal@tnc.org

Founded in 1951, The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world's toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more sustainable. One of our core values is our commitment to diversity. Therefore, we strive for a globally diverse and culturally competent workforce. Working in 72 countries, including all 50 United States, we use a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. To learn more, visit www.nature.org

Nature for Water (N4W) is TNC’s technical assistance group that provides hand-in-hand help to place-based champions that are developing local watershed investment programs that rely on Nature-based Solutions to drive water security outcomes. The program aims to support 40-60 place-based engagements over four years via a mixture of pro-bono and fee-for-service partnerships. 
 

Photo credits: Patrick McCarthy

Nature for Water had the opportunity to engage with officials from the Eswatini Water Services Corporation (EWSC), the Eswatini Department of Water Affairs (DWA) and the Ministry of Health - Eswatini Monitoring and Evaluation Unit (MoH) during a training on Nature-based Solutions (NbS) for water security and the use of WaterProof.

Hosted in collaboration with The World Bank, EWSC, DWA, and MoH, the session focused on exploring how NbS can be effectively integrated into national water programs to enhance resilience and optimize investments.

The discussions highlighted the potential of NbS to complement traditional infrastructure, improve ecosystem health, and deliver long-term benefits for water security. As a result, the partners expressed a strong commitment to embracing NbS in both existing and upcoming projects, aiming to build more resilient and sustainable watersheds and water systems across the region.

About WaterProof: WaterProof is a free-to-use platform that helps decision-makers quickly identify, prioritize, and estimate the costs and benefits of potential NbS interventions. Through easy-to-interpret maps and data, it provides:
▪️ Summary watershed characterization
▪️ NbS portfolio recommendations
▪️ Full lifecycle costing
▪️ ROI and co-benefits estimation

We are excited to see growing interest in NbS and to continue supporting partners like EWSC, DWA, and MoH on their journey toward a more water-secure future.

Photo credits: Douglas Nyolei

The Yaque del Norte Water Fund (FAYN) launched its Business Case, marking a milestone in advancing Nature-based Solutions for water security in the Dominican Republic.

Developed with technical support from the Nature for Water Facility, the Business Case presents a portfolio of strategies—ranging from conserving native ecosystems and restoring forests, to promoting sustainable agriculture, silvopastoral systems, and artificial wetlands.

The findings are clear: these solutions not only improve water quality for 1.8 million people, they also extend the life of the Tavera-Bao reservoir, reduce sedimentation costs, strengthen hydroelectric generation, and deliver biodiversity and climate resilience benefits across more than 96,000 hectares.

We are honored to have supported FAYN in building this evidence-based roadmap and look forward to the next phase of collective action. 

Flowing through Wadawurrung Country, it supports tens of thousands of people across regional hubs, providing vital cultural and environmental values and nurturing the wellbeing of these communities.

Recently, the Net Nature Positive Forum in Geelong brought together businesses, utilities, and local leaders to explore how investing in nature can restore the Moorabool and Barwon Rivers and secure a more sustainable future for Australia’s fastest-growing region.

In partnership with the Committee for Geelong, Barwon Water, Corangamite Catchment Management Authority, and the Geelong Chamber of Commerce, The Nature Conservancy in Australia, Nature for Water supported discussions on how nature-based solutions and environmental markets can unlock real opportunities for both business and biodiversity.

Photo credits: Shutterstock

Investments in Nature-based Solutions (NbS) for water security are on the rise (new reporting shows they doubled over the past decade, reaching $49 billion in 2023). 

So, what’s holding us back from truly mainstreaming these investments around the world?

The new report, The Power of Policy, reveals that effective policy conditions are one missing link. 

The report shows that scaling NbS requires more than funding—it demands coherent laws, cross-sector coordination, and community leadership among other critical enabling conditions.

Join us on October 1st at 10:00 ET / 15:00 BST / 16:00 CET for a webinar hosted by TNC and IWA to explore how strategic policy reform can help unlock NbS investments at scale.

Listen in English | Spanish | Portuguese

Freshwater species are disappearing faster than any other group on Earth. Alarmingly, more than half of all terrestrial species at risk of extinction depend on the same degraded water sources that human communities rely on. As climate change and human development intensify, the need to protect these ecosystems has never been more urgent.

Nature-based solutions offer some of the most effective—and cost-efficient—approaches to safeguard freshwater systems and the biodiversity they support.

Join us for an interactive session exploring how conservation programs around the world are monitoring and assessing biodiversity outcomes.This webinar will highlight real-world example from:

✔️ Global AI biodiversity and Biodiversity benefit accounting reports 
✔️ China: Qiandao Lake—wetlands biodiversity assessments & monitoring 
✔️ Amazon: Freshwater Fisheries biodiversity management & monitoring 
✔️ Ecuador: Biodiversity monitoring framework in the Andes and biodiversity recovery in Antisana 
✔️ South Africa: Greater Cape Town—freshwater biodiversity gains from invasive species clearing

When: 30 September
5 PM Nairobi / 10 AM EST

This innovative tool helps identify and prioritise the most impactful nature-based solutions across Norfolk’s chalk catchments—guiding investments that deliver the greatest benefits for biodiversity, nutrient mitigation, and water security.

Proud to support Water Resources East, Norfolk County Council, Anglian Water Services, and The Nature Conservancy Conservancy in bringing this work to life.

Photo credits: iStock

The Mendoza Water Fund has launched its Business Case, laying out a path to secure water in one of Argentina’s most critical basins.

The analysis shows that restoring high-Andean wetlands and advancing sustainable agriculture could add up to 29 hm³ of water annually, while generating benefits nearly three times greater than costs.

This is a powerful example of how nature-based solutions deliver resilience for people, agriculture, and ecosystems.

Photo credits: Frederick Clindt/TNC photo Contest 2022

This International Youth Day, we're celebrating inspiring young leaders in Kenya who are harnessing the power of technology to support their local farmers and protect community water sources.

In Eldoret, Kenya, where water demand is already outpacing supply, and the impacts of climate change are accelerating, the Eldoret-Iten Water Fund is using drones to rapidly monitor watershed health and more quickly improve local water security.

This tech-driven approach to monitoring is not only efficient, it’s inspiring a new generation of conservationists. Youth drone pilots are capturing real-time data that helps protect rivers, wetlands, and wildlife and supporting their community in the process.

Now they’re showing the world what’s possible with the help of technology and a little creativity.

Follow the link to watch our new short film - The View From Above - and to find out how nature-based solutions are implemented at the Eldoret-Iten Water Fund.
 

Photo credits: Roshni Lodhia

The Nature for Water team was in Santiago, Dominican Republic to share the results of our project: “Nature-Based Solutions for the Upper Yaque del Norte Watershed: Restoring Ecosystems and Strengthening Water Security.”

In collaboration with the Yaque del Norte Water Fund, we presented biophysical and economic modeling tools that help visualize and prioritize interventions, supporting evidence-based decision making across the watershed.

The workshop included hands-on training with SIGA CAL and SIGA Tools, opening the door for partners to explore results, build shared understanding, and plan future phases of work.

We’re grateful to all the local actors who joined us in this effort and excited to see the growing momentum for Nature-based Solutions in the Dominican Republic

Photo credits: Miguel Cañón

The business case for nature in the Warwickshire Avon catchment is now live. A pioneering partnership - led by Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, Warwickshire County Council, Severn Trent, and the Environment Agency, with support from Nature for Water - sets out an ambitious, evidence-based vision: Nature-based Solutions can reduce flood risk, improve water quality, and build long-term climate resilience, benefitting nature, people, and the economy.

With £700M in investment over 30 years, the proposed Program could generate up to £2B in economic benefits. A roadmap for collective action, regenerative growth, and community wellbeing, grounded in science, and designed for impact.

Photo credits: Lola Grundmann

Congratulations to Kevin Shafer, Executive Director of the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD), on receiving the 2025 Wetland Conservation Achievement Award from Ducks Unlimited.

Kevin Shafer transformed MMSD into a global leader in sustainable wastewater management by integrating watershed-scale wetland restoration into the region’s infrastructure. His 25-year strategic plan focuses on eliminating sewer overflows by 2035 and includes ambitious goals such as restoring 4,000 acres of wetlands and planting 6 million trees. Under Shafer's leadership, MMSD launched the Reforestation and Wetland Restoration Program and the Green Seams program, securing 3,000 acres of land for restoration. In collaboration with DU and other partners, these programs have improved the region's natural infrastructure and water quality while creating significant wildlife habitat accessible to diverse user groups. Shafer’s ability to leverage capital and build effective partnerships is instrumental in ensuring the long-term sustainability of the region’s wetlands and ecosystems. His innovative approach and dedication to integrating wetland restoration into wastewater management set a global example for environmental stewardship and sustainability.

Nature for Water is proud to support MMSD in this work and thrilled to see this recognition of impact well-earned.

Photo credits: Shutterstock

In partnership with the World Bank's Climate Investment Fund and NbS Invest teams, Nature for Water co-designed and delivered a week-long training for government officials from 15 African countries focused on Nature-based Solutions (NbS) for climate resilience, adaptation, and mitigation.

Over 3 days of interactive sessions (plus a site visit to a local regenerative agriculture project), participants explored how NbS can unlock climate, biodiversity, and livelihood benefits—moving from concepts to practical tools for designing investment-ready programs.

From water and energy to food and climate, the training equipped 60+ participants with a landscape approach to drive inclusive, collective action. Huge thanks to our partners and participants for making this such a meaningful learning experience!

Are you a results-oriented individual passionate about applying scientific solutions to real-world water security challenges? Do you possess a strong foundation in spatial analysis and hydrological modeling, and thrive in a collaborative environment working with diverse partners?

If you're eager to contribute to the prioritization of NbS for watersheds and develop innovative management tools, we want to hear from you! Nature for Water seeks a talented Science Associate to join our team.

The position is fully remote and can be based in any country where TNC can hire in Africa (Angola, Gabon, Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia)

Science Associate posting (3+ years desired experience).

In recent years, the world has seen a growing interest in using Nature-based Solutions (NbS) to manage water risks—from floods and landslides to quantity and quality of water supply. But has all this buzz translated into real investment on the ground? 

Join The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and Forest Trends Association as we answer this question and more with the launch of the new report Doubling Down on Nature, the most comprehensive global assessment to date of investment flowing towards NbS projects with water-related objectives.

Date: June 10, 2025 | 9:00 AM ET

Achieving transformational outcomes for climate resilience and biodiversity conservation requires a systems thinking approach. Success hinges on driving policy change across local, national, and global levels—alongside improvements in corporate practices and innovation in financial and philanthropic sectors.

Join The Nature Conservancy's Resilient Watershed for a dynamic conversation exploring how conservation initiatives collaborate with national, state, and local governments to advance policy solutions that benefit both people and nature. Cases from South Africa, Kenya, Ecuador, Brazil, and the USA will be available.
 

Date: 3 June 2025
Time: 5 PM Nairobi time/10 am EST

Join the Resilient Watersheds Network, a global community of practitioners driving nature-based solutions for water security.

Founded by The Nature Conservancy in 2014, the network offers:
* Access to cutting-edge tools and resources
* Invitations to quarterly webinars
* Peer mentoring and coaching
* Training opportunities and technical support via Nature for Water

Whether you're just getting started or scaling a program—this is your space to connect, learn, and grow.

Free and open to all

Over the last year, Professor Kevin Balkwill of Wits and Simon Attwood have identified a new taxon of Thorncroftia growing in the Blyde River Canyon.

The species was first recorded and collected in 1953 by renowned botanist Leslie Codd on the slopes of Hebronberg, south of Mariepskop. He did not have good colour photography and close up images to compare the plants and considered them to be the same as another species, Thorncroftia succulenta, which is a Soutpansberg endemic species.

With current digital photography and research being conducted by Balkwill for a comprehensive revision of genus it has become apparent that the Blyde population is in fact a different species with different hairs on the leaves and that has flowers with a substantially longer corolla tube. Both species are very particular in habitat preference, occurring in misty high-altitude grasslands and growing on cliffs, rocks and boulders where they can find refuge from the frequent natural veld fires that are part of the landscape.

In the 1970s, the area where Codd collected the Thorncroftia south of Mariepskop was planted with commercial pine plantations. In the 1990's the plantation was abandoned, and the slopes became heavily invaded with alien invasive pines and eucalyptus trees which were later cleared by teams from Kruger to Canyons. Over the last few years, the land has also been handed over from DFFE to be included in the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve.

Despite the massive disturbance to the ecosystem, some plants of the Thorncroftia survived on large boulders where the pines hadn't shaded them out yet. Kruger to Canyons Biosphere Region NPC has made a big contribution to protecting this new species by removing alien invasive plants from a large portion of its habitat.

In 2024 Professor Balkwill was able to relocate the plants on these slopes and in April 2025 Nick Theron and Simon Attwood returned to photograph the plant in full bloom there.

Photo Credits: Professor Kevin Balkwill (Wits University) and Simon Attwood

Nature for Water is looking for a Junior Data Analyst / Developer to join our Program Intelligence team. This role will help design and manage data systems that power insights across our global watershed investment programs—linking on-the-ground results to long-term conservation impact.

This full-time, fully remote position is open to candidates in Latin America, the Caribbean, and Africa where TNC can hire. If you have experience in Python, SQL, and data visualization tools like PowerBI, and you’re eager to help drive evidence-based solutions for water security, we’d love to hear from you!

Are you passionate about advancing Nature-based Solutions and driving real-world impact? Nature for Water is looking for an Engagement Manager to lead place-based projects and guide commercial, governance, stakeholder, and economic analysis for watershed investment programs.

This is a full-time, fully remote role open to candidates based in Latin America (Argentina, Belize, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Guatemala, Mexico, Peru) and the Caribbean (The Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands).

If you have a background in project finance, capital markets, or management consultancy and want to help shape the future of water security, we want to hear from you!