The issue of pollution of fresh and coastal waters and the harmful impacts on human health, ecosystem health and economies rank high on national development agendas in the context of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Countries have been developing and implementing approaches to combat land-based pollution and there are lessons to be shared in the adoption of success stories between countries. UN Environment, through its Global Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-based Activities (GPA) and through its Freshwater Ecosystems Unit, have been facilitating the implementation of initiatives and exchange of best practices through its Programme of Work. In addition, in December 2017 at the 3rd United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA), UN Member States mandated UN Environment in a comprehensive Resolution to help implement a Framework for Freshwater Ecosystem Management to help countries protect and restore their water-related ecosystems in line with the 2030 Agenda, including through addressing water pollution.
