Adirondack Waterfalls A waterfall in the Adirondacks of New York. © Charles Gleberman Photography
Water sustains all life, making Earth a living planet. Fresh water connects land to sea, community to community and species to species. Fresh water shapes landscapes, weather patterns, cultures and the course of life itself.
Fresh water flows through everything we do at The Nature Conservancy. We aim to conserve 1 million kilometers of rivers and 30 million hectares of lakes and wetlands by 2030.
September 27 is World Rivers Day!
Kia America's support is helping TNC protect fresh water across the U.S.
Kia's support is helping turn freshwater science into conservation action across the country. Together, we're:
- Advancing research to identify the rivers most likely to sustain biodiversity in a changing climate,
- Strengthening tools that guide conservation decisions, and
- Supporting on-the-ground river restoration benefiting both wildlife and human communities.
From restoring wetlands and floodplains to improving river health and supporting environmental flows, these efforts are helping ensure healthier rivers for all who depend on them.
Why Rivers Matter
Rivers provide drinking water, support wildlife, reduce flood risk, and connect communities across the country. Yet only a small fraction of climate-resilient rivers currently receive long-term protection, making conservation efforts more important than ever.
#AcceleratetheGood for Fresh Water
As part of its campaign, Kia America is committing $3M to TNC to support our freshwater conservation efforts nationwide. The campaign will also raise awareness of and educate audiences on why freshwater ecosystems are important for all life on Earth.
Since launching this work together, Kia's support has helped advance innovative freshwater science, strengthen conservation planning tools, and contribute to projects that have improved more than 2,000 miles of river health and enhanced more than 14,000 acres of wetlands and floodplains across the United States.
Sustainable Rivers Project (SRP)
Kia's support helps fund the SRP. Since 2020, the SRP has delivered:
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2,003
miles of improved river health and habitat.
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14,641
acres of wetlands and floodplains enhanced.
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1,000+
people engaged, represenging 250 organizations, around water management.
Where Kia is powering environmental progress
Kia America's support is helping protect fresh water across the U.S.
Atchafalaya River Basin
Restoring Healthy River Flow
In Louisiana’s Atchafalaya River Basin, TNC, the USACE and partners are improving water flows to boost forest health, water quality and wildlife habitat—including the vital crawfish fishery. By managing nitrogen levels, the effort also helps reduce Gulf dead zones. It’s a science-based approach to help one of America’s richest ecosystems thrive.
Big Cypress Bayou
In northeast Texas, TNC, the USACE and partners are restoring 2,000 acres of wetlands and bringing back the ancient American paddlefish to Big Cypress Bayou. By mimicking natural flows from Lake O’ the Pines, the project revives vital habitats. Thousands of paddlefish have been reintroduced, and ongoing monitoring helps ensure they can thrive.
Cape Fear River
In North Carolina’s Cape Fear River, ancient migratory fish like striped bass, American shad and Atlantic sturgeon (pictured) depend on seasonal pulses of water to swim upstream and spawn. TNC is collaborating with the USACE and others to improve flows and fish passage, giving these remarkable species a better chance to complete their life cycles.
Cumberland River
Restoring the Lake Sturgeon
Once nearly extinct in Tennessee, the lake sturgeon is making a comeback thanks to decades of effort. TNC and the USACE are exploring how dam operations can support spawning by adjusting seasonal water flows—balancing hydropower, flood control and recreation with conservation and protection of endangered species.
Kansas River
In Kansas, the Kansas River supplies drinking water to more than 800,000 people and supports wildlife like catfish, freshwater mussels, and migratory birds. Together with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), TNC is restoring more natural water flows, improving water quality, and helping fish and other species thrive in healthier habitat.
Wabash River
In Indiana’s Wabash River, TNC and the USACE are helping rebuild populations of freshwater mussels—nature’s tiny water filters that are essential for clean, healthy rivers. Through innovative mussel restoration and habitat improvements, we’re supporting a river that’s home to a rich diversity of fish and wildlife.
The Urgency to Protect Fresh Water
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1/3
The world has lost nearly one-third of its freshwater ecosystems since 1970.
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83%
Monitored freshwater populations have declined by an average of 83% since 1970.
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1M
TNC's goal is to conserve 1 million kilometers of the world's rivers by 2030.
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30M
TNC also aims to conserve 30 million hectares of lakes and wetlands by 2030.
Learn More
Five Ways to Appreciate Water
On average, Americans use about 80-100 gallons of water per day—and that’s just what comes from showers, baths, laundry, dishes, and other conventional household activities. With so little effort needed to turn on our faucets and enjoy clean, filtered water, it’s easy to take fresh water for granted.
Conserving Fresh Water for Life on Earth
Freshwater systems are in trouble. But with a fresh approach, we can change the course for the better.
Sustainable Rivers Program
The Nature Conservancy and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are finding new ways to strike a sustainable balance in how people use and protect the many benefits that rivers provide.
We Must Save Fresh Water to Save Ourselves
The Nature Conservancy joins others in pressing for urgent stewardship of our world's precious fresh water.