Protecting the Lifelines of Our Planet: The Vital Role of Upemba’s Water Ecosystems

Water is the foundation of life, sustaining ecosystems, communities, and economies. On this World Water Day, we turn our focus to the ecosystems that give rise to the rivers and lakes that nourish our planet. Protecting these sources is not just an environmental necessity but a fundamental responsibility for the future of biodiversity, climate resilience, and human well-being.

Healthy ecosystems play a crucial role in regulating water cycles, filtering pollutants, and mitigating climate change. Forests, wetlands, and high-altitude plateaus serve as natural sponges, capturing rainfall and slowly releasing it into streams and rivers. These landscapes prevent erosion, reduce flood risks, and ensure the steady availability of fresh water, supporting both people and wildlife.

Upemba National Park, located in the heart of the Democratic Republic of Congo, is a prime example of an ecosystem that is vital for water conservation. Its Kibara Plateau is a crucial water reservoir, hosting the sources of numerous rivers, including Kalume Ngongo, Nzenze, and Munte—renowned for its breathtaking waterfall. These rivers sustain life far beyond their origins, feeding vast landscapes and communities.

Further downstream, the Kamalondo Depression—a vast network of over 80 interconnected lakes, including Upemba, Mulenda, Kabamba, and Kayumba—supports an extraordinary diversity of aquatic life. These lakes are home to an array of endemic fish species, many of which are found nowhere else in the world. They not only sustain local fisheries but also contribute to the delicate ecological balance that supports biodiversity.

The degradation of these ecosystems threatens water security, biodiversity, and local livelihoods. Deforestation, climate change, and unsustainable land use endanger the very sources of the rivers and lakes that sustain life. Protecting Upemba’s plateaus, rivers, and lakes means safeguarding fresh water for future generations, maintaining rich biodiversity, and strengthening resilience against climate disruptions.

On this World Water Day, we reaffirm our commitment to preserving the ecosystems that give rise to life-giving water sources. By protecting these landscapes, we ensure that communities, wildlife, and future generations continue to thrive. Water connects us all—its conservation is our shared responsibility.

Images: Chris Boyes, Upemba National Park - 2024