Water security and ecosystem services: the critical connection

This document represents the collective expertise of a diverse group of individuals concerned with ecosystem degradation, and the continuing loss of the services provided by these ecosystems. Attention is given to aquatic ecosystems because of water`s fundamental role as the `blood` of ecosystem structure and functions, and an engine of economic production. These characteristics make the goal of maintaining ecosystem services and water security a complementary and overlapping task. It is hoped the contents of this report, which was developed as a contribution to the 3rd World Water Development Report, will facilitate more in-depth discussion on these important life-supporting topics.