Wetlands International, a leading global organization dedicated to the conservation and restoration of wetlands, announced today a significant strategic partnership with SHOAL, a global collaborative network focused on safeguarding freshwater ecosystems and their critically endangered species. This collaboration marks a pivotal moment in the fight against the escalating biodiversity crisis threatening the world’s freshwater habitats. The partnership, formalized on March 17, 2026, aims to leverage the combined strengths and extensive networks of both organizations to drive more impactful and accelerated conservation efforts.
The Urgent Need for Freshwater Protection
Freshwater ecosystems, encompassing rivers, lakes, wetlands, and groundwater, are the lifeblood of our planet, supporting an astonishing array of biodiversity and providing essential services to billions of people. However, these vital habitats are facing unprecedented threats. Decades of neglect, coupled with the intensifying impacts of climate change, pollution, habitat destruction, and over-extraction of water resources, have pushed freshwater biodiversity to the brink.
Scientific reports consistently highlight the dire state of freshwater species. The Living Planet Report by WWF has repeatedly indicated that freshwater species populations have declined more drastically than those in terrestrial or marine environments. Freshwater fish and amphibians, in particular, are among the most threatened vertebrate groups globally, with thousands of species facing imminent extinction. This loss has profound implications not only for ecological balance but also for human well-being, affecting water quality, human health, and food security, especially for communities reliant on freshwater fish for protein.
A Synergistic Approach to Conservation
Wetlands International has long championed a partnership-driven approach to conservation, recognizing that safeguarding the world’s wetlands requires collaboration across all levels – from local communities and Indigenous Peoples to global policy arenas. SHOAL’s mission to mobilize, coordinate, and catalyze partners to escalate and accelerate action for freshwater species, habitats, and communities aligns perfectly with this philosophy.
"We are proud to partner with SHOAL to accelerate global efforts to protect and restore freshwater ecosystems and the astonishing biodiversity within them," stated Coenraad Krijger, CEO of Wetlands International. "We’ve already joined forces on publications such as Africa’s Forgotten Fishes and are looking forward to ramping up our collaboration to deliver greater impact together."
SHOAL operates on a model that brings together diverse stakeholders, fostering a shared commitment to freshwater conservation. This partnership with Wetlands International, formalized under SHOAL’s Strategic Partnership tier, will focus on several key areas of collaboration.
Key Areas of Collaborative Focus
Under the strategic partnership, Wetlands International and SHOAL will concentrate their efforts on:
- Joint Advocacy and Policy Influence: Working together to advocate for stronger policies and regulations that protect freshwater ecosystems at national and international levels. This includes influencing global forums and national governments to prioritize freshwater conservation in development and climate change adaptation strategies.
- Accelerating Site-Based Conservation Actions: Implementing and scaling up on-the-ground conservation projects in critical freshwater habitats, focusing on restoring degraded ecosystems and protecting threatened species.
- Enhancing Public Awareness and Education: Developing and executing campaigns to raise public awareness about the importance of freshwater ecosystems and the threats they face, fostering a greater sense of urgency and collective responsibility.
- Knowledge Sharing and Capacity Building: Facilitating the exchange of best practices, scientific knowledge, and technical expertise among partners to strengthen the capacity for effective freshwater conservation globally.
- Mobilizing Resources for Freshwater Conservation: Collaborating on fundraising initiatives and exploring innovative financing mechanisms to secure the necessary resources for ambitious freshwater conservation programs.
- Promoting Integrated Water Resource Management: Championing approaches that recognize the interconnectedness of water resources, biodiversity, and human needs, ensuring that water management practices are sustainable and equitable.
Wetlands International’s Global Network and Expertise
Wetlands International brings to this partnership its extensive global network, built over decades of dedicated work in protecting and restoring freshwater ecosystems worldwide. The organization’s ongoing freshwater initiatives span a wide range of critical interventions. These include the removal of dams and barriers in Europe, which are crucial for restoring river connectivity and enabling the migration of freshwater fish; implementing effective water governance strategies in regions like Ethiopia, addressing water scarcity and equitable distribution; and developing and promoting alternative sustainable livelihoods in Latin America, reducing pressure on fragile freshwater resources.
With its new 10-year strategy, Wetlands International is poised to significantly scale up its freshwater work. This includes moving from site-level actions to comprehensive landscape-level approaches. The organization will also intensify its engagement in global initiatives such as the Freshwater Challenge and the Peatland Breakthrough, recognizing the interconnectedness of these vital ecosystems.
A New Strategic Priority: Migratory Freshwater Fish
A significant new focus for Wetlands International under its current strategy is the dedicated conservation of migratory freshwater fish and their vital "Swimways." These are the aquatic corridors that migratory fish use to complete their life cycles, often traversing vast distances across rivers, lakes, and even marine environments. The health and connectivity of these Swimways are paramount for the survival of numerous fish species.
"Under our new strategy, Wetlands International will focus strategically on migratory freshwater fish and their Swimways for the first time," Coenraad Krijger elaborated. "Our new partnership with SHOAL is a key step towards delivering on this priority. Together, we can do far more to save threatened freshwater species and safeguard their freshwater wetlands – wetlands that underpin societies and economies."
This strategic shift underscores the organization’s commitment to addressing the complex challenges facing species that rely on connected freshwater systems. The partnership with SHOAL will be instrumental in achieving these ambitious goals, providing a platform for coordinated action and amplified impact.
SHOAL’s Collaborative Ecosystem
SHOAL’s unique approach involves building and nurturing a global ecosystem of partners and collaborators. By uniting a diverse range of actors, from conservation organizations and research institutions to governments and local communities, SHOAL aims to create a powerful collective force for freshwater conservation. The organization identifies and supports critical projects, connects partners with the resources and expertise they need, and amplifies successful conservation models.
The image of SHOAL as a growing and strengthening entity is central to its philosophy. "We firmly believe that the bigger and broader the SHOAL, the stronger it becomes, and the greater our shared impact will be," a representative of SHOAL commented, echoing the sentiment of collaborative strength.
Broader Implications for Biodiversity and Human Well-being
The implications of this strategic partnership extend far beyond the immediate conservation of individual species. By focusing on freshwater ecosystems, Wetlands International and SHOAL are addressing critical issues that affect the entire planet:
- Biodiversity Resilience: Protecting and restoring freshwater habitats is essential for maintaining global biodiversity, acting as crucial refuges for countless species and supporting ecological processes that underpin healthy ecosystems.
- Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation: Healthy wetlands and freshwater systems play a vital role in regulating water cycles, mitigating floods and droughts, and sequestering carbon, contributing significantly to climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts.
- Water Security and Food Security: These ecosystems are fundamental to ensuring access to clean water for human consumption, agriculture, and industry. Furthermore, freshwater fish are a primary source of protein for millions, making their conservation directly linked to global food security.
- Economic Benefits: Thriving freshwater ecosystems support a range of economic activities, including fisheries, tourism, and recreation, contributing to livelihoods and local economies.
- Human Health: Clean freshwater resources are directly linked to public health, preventing waterborne diseases and supporting overall well-being.
A Timeline of Collaborative Action
While the formal announcement of the strategic partnership occurred on March 17, 2026, the collaboration between Wetlands International and SHOAL has roots in prior joint efforts. The mention of co-authored publications like "Africa’s Forgotten Fishes" suggests a history of shared projects and a mutual understanding of each other’s strengths and commitment. This new strategic alignment is likely to build upon these foundations, accelerating the pace and scale of their joint endeavors.
Future activities are expected to include the joint development of conservation strategies for key freshwater basins, the co-hosting of international workshops and conferences focused on freshwater biodiversity, and the coordinated lobbying of international bodies for enhanced freshwater protection. The partnership also signals a commitment to long-term engagement, with a focus on sustained impact and the development of lasting solutions for freshwater ecosystem health.
Conclusion
The strategic partnership between Wetlands International and SHOAL represents a powerful alliance in the global effort to combat the freshwater biodiversity crisis. By combining Wetlands International’s extensive network and deep expertise in wetland conservation with SHOAL’s innovative collaborative model, this partnership is poised to deliver significant advancements in the protection and restoration of the world’s most vital and threatened ecosystems. As Coenraad Krijger aptly stated, the collaboration aims to "deliver greater impact together," ensuring a healthier future for freshwater species, habitats, and the billions of people who depend on them.
