Jennifer Morris

Dear Friends,

Last year’s UN Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15) saw a landmark commitment to protect 30% of Earth’s lands, oceans, coastal areas and inland waters by 2030—a much-needed international blueprint to guide our collective turnaround of the biodiversity crisis within this crucial decade.

The world doubled down on its collective efforts to conserve water at the UN Water Conference, which was recently held for the first time in more than 40 years.

Our work to get fresh water on the global agenda is yielding results.

That said, an enormous amount of work is still needed to secure the health of the planet’s declining freshwater systems. Recognizing the urgency, TNC is scaling up our commitment to freshwater conservation in this most critical decade for nature.

I am particularly excited to welcome Nicole Silk back to TNC as our new global director for freshwater outcomes. Supported by a growing team of conservation leaders, she is spearheading TNC’s efforts to meet our ambitious 2030 freshwater goals. Read

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We Must Save Fresh Water to Save Ourselves

BY NICOLE SILK

Nicole’s personal water story and what she thinks is needed to accelerate our global conservation efforts in the years to come (pg. 4).

This issue of Bridge magazine is full of stories about how TNC is advancing freshwater conservation around the world. Discover how Gabon is emerging as a global conservation leader (pg. 8), visit a water-wise church in Philadelphia (pg. 22) and sit down with TNC’s Tara Moberg to understand the significance of the recent Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (pg. 26).

These highlights represent just a fraction of the incredible work happening across our global freshwater portfolio—none of which we could do without your generous support. Thank you for joining us as we strive to meet the moment and step up for fresh water like never before.

Contents

FEATURE

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Inspiring the World Through Action BY SARAH WAKEFIELD

Investing in Nature for Water Security BY SOPHIE TRÉMOLET AND NAABIA OFOSU-AMAAH

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NOTES FROM THE FIELD

• Water Funds in Africa: Going Further Together

• Benefits Flow from New Rain Garden at Philadelphia Church

• Innovative Solutions for Healthy Rivers and Clean Energy

Warm Wishes,

JENNIFER MORRIS Chief Executive Officer