Though critical to all life – and to most economic activity – water has consistently been undervalued relative to the wide range of uses and benefits it provides. However, with new valuation methods and frameworks being developed, governments, the private sector and financial institutions are beginning to make progress in recognizing the wider value of water. As these discussions advance, we believe it is important to shine a light on a parallel and equally critical challenge: the consistent failure of economies and societies to value rivers for their full spectrum of benefits.

With rivers under growing pressure from dam development, climate change and soaring demand for water to irrigate farms and fuel hydropower plants, the Valuing Rivers report provides a new framework for improving how societies measure, value and promote rivers’ diverse benefits and offers solutions to support better decisions and management.