At COP16, environmental leaders are pushing for the integration of ‘green water’ measures into the Global Biodiversity Framework to tackle biodiversity loss and water scarcity. Green water—water stored in the soil, vital for agriculture and ecosystems—accounts for 90% of the water used in global agriculture, yet it remains largely neglected in conventional water management strategies. Research by UN Water indicates that 40% of the world’s population is facing severe water stress, with countries like India, China, and Brazil seeing increased pressure on soil moisture due to climate change. In regions like Sub-Saharan Africa and parts of South Asia, green water management is critical for maintaining food security, as crops such as rice, wheat, and maize rely heavily on soil moisture, which is expected to decline in the coming decades
The shift toward recognizing green water could benefit countries like Ethiopia and Kenya, where agricultural productivity is heavily dependent on rainfall and soil moisture. A study by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) found that improving soil moisture management could increase crop yields by up to 20-30% in areas vulnerable to drought. On the other hand, nations like Australia and Spain, which are already dealing with desertification and recurring droughts, face significant risks if green water is not prioritized in conservation efforts. By incorporating green water into climate adaptation policies, COP16 aims to restore degraded land, enhance biodiversity, and improve water use efficiency, ensuring a more resilient agricultural future for millions of people across vulnerable regions. More