Freshwater Biodiversity Satellite Event

Satellite Event – Rivers for Life: Turning the Tide on Freshwater Biodiversity Loss

Symposium Satellite Event #6

Date: Thursday 11 June 2026
Time: 10 – 11:30 am AEST | 8 – 9:30 am EDT | 1 – 2:30 pm BST | 2 – 3:30 pm CEST

Freshwater biodiversity underpins food security, sustains livelihoods, strengthens climate resilience and supports cultures and communities worldwide. Despite this, it remains critically undervalued and underfunded.

Since 1970, freshwater species populations have declined by 85%. This is a greater loss than both terrestrial and marine ecosystems. We need urgent, collective action to reverse nature loss and achieve the goals of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

In response to this challenge, Rivers for Life: Turning the Tide on Freshwater Biodiversity Loss brought together global thought leaders, practitioners, Indigenous leaders, policy makers and innovators to explore one critical question:

How do we move from recognising the crisis in freshwater biodiversity to mobilising investment, innovation and collective action at the scale needed to restore and sustain our river systems?

This interactive, online event was delivered in collaboration with SHOAL and Wetlands International. It spotlighted bold ideas, practical solutions and emerging opportunities to accelerate action for freshwater biodiversity.

The key takeaway?

Freshwater biodiversity is foundational to healthy rivers, resilient communities and climate adaptation. While the challenges are significant, the examples shared from Africa, South America, North America and Canada demonstrate that solutions exist. Success will depend on mobilising stronger partnerships, greater investment, Indigenous and community leadership, and coordinated action at the scale required to restore and sustain freshwater ecosystems for future generations.

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Our satellite event series is proudly sponsored by AmaWaterways and Suntory.