Why This Matters
Freshwater ecosystems — rivers, lakes, wetlands — cover less than one percent of Earth's surface, yet they support 30 percent of all vertebrate species and provide billions of people with water, food, livelihoods, and cultural identity. They sustain life far beyond their size. And they are in crisis.
Habitat loss, pollution, overexploitation, and climate change are driving a decline of freshwater biodiversity at a rate far faster than in marine or terrestrial environments. Despite their outsized importance, these vital ecosystems receive far less attention in science and media. There is no shortage of strong journalism on climate, oceans, or forests. But stories about the global freshwater crisis — and the innovative solutions taking shape — are still too often overlooked.
Water degradation is often not a byproduct — it's a business. Freshwater Frontlines exists to expose that, and to tell the stories the world urgently needs to hear.
What We Cover
Freshwater Frontlines is a global, independent journalism initiative affiliated with the University of Nevada, Reno's Tahoe Institute for Global Sustainability. It supports original reporting on globally significant and underreported freshwater issues — from investigative exposés and biodiversity collapse to Indigenous leadership, climate impacts, and restoration efforts.
Power & Corruption
Investigations into illicit sand mining, rare earth extraction, questionable dam projects, and the regulatory failures fueling freshwater decline.
Biodiversity Collapse
Tracking the alarming loss of freshwater species — from ancient sturgeon to giant river fish — and the cascading impacts on ecosystems and food webs.
Indigenous Stewardship
Spotlighting Indigenous nations leading transformative approaches to river governance, from granting legal rights to waterways to blending traditional knowledge with science.
Climate & Freshwater
How climate extremes — floods, droughts, glacial loss — are unraveling water systems and exposing outdated infrastructure.
River Restoration
Where restoration is working — from dam removals to rewilded floodplains — bringing rivers back to life.
Protecting What Remains
Covering urgent efforts to safeguard the last wild and free-flowing rivers, intact wetlands, and cultural water landscapes.
How We Work
Stories are produced for leading media outlets with the reach, rigor, and audience to elevate freshwater issues on the global stage. The initiative leans toward United States coverage while remaining international in scope and perspective.
Freshwater Frontlines operates independently, free from editorial influence by sponsors or institutional partners. Donors support the journalism — not the editorial decisions. The University of Nevada, Reno provides structural support and scientific collaboration while respecting full journalistic autonomy.
Documentary Filmmaking
As part of its broader mission, Freshwater Frontlines is developing a documentary based on the book Chasing Giants by Zeb Hogan and Stefan Lovgren. The film will bring to life the search for the world's largest freshwater fish — weaving together science, conservation, and adventure across some of the planet's most critical and imperiled river systems. Broadcast distribution through a major international outlet is being pursued, ensuring the film reaches a wide global audience.
About the Project Lead
Stefan Lovgren has spent 30 years reporting from around the world, with freshwater ecosystems emerging as his central beat. As research faculty at the University of Nevada, Reno, he has worked closely with leading scientists, conservationists, and communities on the front lines of freshwater protection. His work with National Geographic and the Wonders of the Mekong project helped elevate major freshwater stories to global audiences. He is co-author, with Zeb Hogan, of Chasing Giants: In Search of the World's Largest Freshwater Fish (University of Nevada Press, 2023).