Water Fund is a model development by The Nature Conservancy for catalyzing collective action for the sustainable management of water. A Water Fund unites public, private and civil society stakeholder around the common goal of contributing to water security through nature- based solutions and sustainable watershed management. Once launched, water funds become self-sustaining through local public and private funding. TNC has worked with more than 600 partners in 13 countries on four continents to create 43 water funds, with 35 more in development.

Using science-based approach, Ghod River basin (part of Krishna basin-one of the WRC priority basins) has been selected for India’s first Water Fund. The Ghod river originates in the Western Ghats mountains and is source of water for 4.5 million people. The basin is home to important flora and fauna as well as vulnerable tribal communities.

The Ghod River Water Fund aims to achieve following outcomes:

• Improvement in water availability and quality
• Equitable access to water for all communities
• Conservation of forests and wildlife habitat
• Pilot projects using Nature-based solutions
• Coalition of partners and citizen scientists supporting stewardship of Ghod Basin

The Ghod River Water Fund has almost completed the feasibility phase and is in the process of implementing the pilot projects in the upstream area to showcase efficacy of nature-based solutions in ensuring water security. Capacity building of the local communities and liaison with the industries is also underway.