Green water

Why green water matters

Yet green water is rarely governed explicitly. Deforestation, land degradation, unsustainable farming practices, and climate change are disrupting evaporation, transpiration and precipitation patterns across regions. Decisions about forests, land use, and agriculture are often made separately from water policy, despite their direct influence on rainfall and soil moisture. Without stronger coordination, green water flows can be altered in ways that increase continental drying, drought risk, reduce crop yields, and weaken ecosystem resilience.

How SIWI contributes

SIWI works to strengthen governance of green water by connecting land, water, and climate policy. We support approaches that recognize the role of forests, landscapes, and soil moisture in regulating rainfall and sustaining water systems. Through dialogue, knowledge exchange, and policy engagement, SIWI helps integrate green water considerations into climate adaptation and mitigation, land-use planning, and water governance frameworks.

What this enables

By bringing green water into decision-making, SIWI helps support more resilient food systems, healthier ecosystems, and more stable rainfall patterns. Recognizing and governing green water strengthens climate resilience and ensures that land and water management work together to sustain people and nature.