Water is an integral aspect of agriculture and ecosystem services, but increasing demand has put serious pressures on its provision, availability and quality. 50 years ago, the world's population was fewer then half the people of today. In general, people consumed fewer calories, including meat, and thus required one third of the water we now use.

Today, freshwater withdrawals from lakes and rivers doubled (since 1960) with 70% worldwide used for agriculture. Reduced availability of water in many areas constrains food production, exacerbating hunger and poverty, and reduces other ecosystem services provided by water.

Poor water quality has serious affects on human health and biodiversity and hence on ecosystem services. Regulating services of wetlands includes nutrient cycling and flood and pollution control, essential services for healthy environments and productive agriculture.