Tracey Farrell & Ian Harrison, Conservation International; William Darwall, IUCN Species Programme - UK; Flavia Rocha Loures, WWF - USA; Johan Sundberg, SIDA - Sweden; Lina Barrera, CI-Center for Conservation and Government - USA; Luciano Andriamaro, Conservation International- Madagascar Program; Prof. Charles J. Vörösmarty, Global Water System Project/CUNY Environmental Cross-Roads Initiative/DIVERSITAS - USA; Luis Leonardo Saenz Cruz, King's College London - UK

This session emphasised ways in which increasing the availability of scientific data and tools can enhance appreciation of ecosystem services, identify threats and tipping points, guide prioritiszation for conservation, and further human welfare and poverty alleviation through better informed policy-making. Using real-world case studies, including those with a heavy emphasis on water quality, presentations illustrated the intimate relationship between protecting clean freshwater for human use and conserving freshwater biodiversity. It discussed policy mechanisms that provide incentives for protection of water resources, and are compatible with conservation aims. Discussions also focused upon the integration of sustainable management of freshwater ecosystems into national, regional and international policies and development, bridging the gap between scientists and policy-makers.