Our Vision
We envision a world where every community, ecosystem, and economy thrives with secure, sustainable access to clean water that is protected at its ecological source, governed equitably, and managed as a shared natural system that sustains both people and the planet.
Our Mission
To safeguard and regenerate the world’s freshwater systems by integrating forest and watershed conservation, climate resilience, and inclusive, community-based water governance. We promote lasting solutions that restore natural water ecologies, ensure access, and strengthen freshwater ecosystems.
Photo: Chamika Jayasri
Photo: Pixabay
Photo: Bernd Dittrich
Why Our Work Matters
Water is a human right and the lifeblood of all ecosystems. Forests function as natural hydrological systems—capturing, filtering, storing, and channeling clean water to billions and sustaining freshwater habitats. Yet climate change, ecosystem degradation, and poor governance threaten global water security. Without healthy forests and freshwater ecologies, water systems collapse. Without water, ecosystems, agriculture, health, and entire communities are imperiled. Protecting water at its ecological source is essential to resilience, justice, and sustainable development.
What We Do
At 400Forests, we safeguard freshwater by restoring forested watersheds, reducing erosion, and enhancing natural systems that capture and store water such as cloud forests and riparian zones. We work alongside communities to co-manage these vital ecosystems, strengthen local governance, and implement climate-smart solutions across river basins. Our approach blends ecological restoration with inclusive policy advocacy to ensure long-term water security for people, nature, and future generations. We work at the forefront of the clean energy transition through:
Restoring Watersheds to Revive Ecosystems
We protect and restore watersheds by conserving upstream forests and implementing sustainable land-use strategies that preserve the ecological integrity of freshwater sources. These ecosystems are vital for regulating water cycles and sustaining aquatic biodiversity.
Photo:Freshwater Biodiversity/NORRIK
Protecting Water Quality Through Forest Stewardship
Our work keeps waterways clean and healthy by reducing erosion, sedimentation, and pollution in forested areas. We prioritize the protection of riparian buffers and native vegetation to maintain ecological balance and water quality.
Amazon Photo: /Pixabay
Empowering Communities and Governing Water Equitably
Through training, advocacy, and partnerships, we strengthen local water governance and community co-management of freshwater ecosystems. Our climate-smart interventions are designed for resilience across entire river basins, ensuring long-term sustainability of both people and nature.
Photo: Jeffrey Johnson
Photo: Jeffrey Johnson
Freshwater is the lifeblood of ecosystems and communities, a vital resource that sustains life, supports economies, and underpins climate resilience.
From rivers and wetlands to forests and aquifers, healthy freshwater systems purify water, regulate climate, support biodiversity, and strengthen community resilience.
Photo: Grass Nguyen
Photo: Ana Vilhanhas
Photo: Lukasz Lukaszweski
Photo: Manish Tulaskar
Policy and Governance for
Water and Ecology.
We believe that effective water governance is foundational to climate resilience, ecosystem health, and economic security. At 400Forests, we collaborate with national and local governments to strengthen water regulation, integrate climate-smart watershed and freshwater ecosystem management into planning, and promote water equity. We advocate for inclusive policies that protect aquatic ecologies, empower local stewardship, and institutionalize sustainable financing for long-term water and ecosystem security
Core Project Areas
Watershed Resilience
Corridors
We design and restore interconnected freshwater ecosystems—rivers, wetlands, and springs—to enhance water security, carbon storage, and climate resilience.
Blue Carbon Springs
Initiative
We protect and regenerate inland water ecosystems like peatlands and springs, unlocking blue carbon potential while supporting biodiversity and community livelihoods
Smart Water Commons for Climate Justice
We create digitally connected, community-managed water systems that blend ecological restoration, clean water access, and climate-smart governance.
ACT TODAY!
The environment we have is not just the space we live in, it is the intricate system of air, water, soil, climate, plants, and animals that makes life possible. Healthy ecosystems regulate the planet’s temperature, purify water, store carbon, pollinate crops, and protect us from natural disasters. But this balance is rapidly being disrupted. Add your Voice! ACT NOW!
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