Desertification is one of the most pressing environmental issues facing the planet today. As arid and semi-arid lands become increasingly degraded due to factors like unsustainable land management, climate change, and overgrazing, the resilience of these ecosystems diminishes, leading to a cascade of ecological and socioeconomic problems.

Freshwater ecosystems, which include rivers, lakes, wetlands, and streams, are critical to the functioning of our planet. They provide vital resources for humans, support diverse wildlife, and help regulate local climates. However, these ecosystems are not only under threat; they are experiencing an unprecedented crisis.