The Freshwater Ecosystems Explore (sdg661.app)  provides accurate, up-to-date, high-resolution geospatial data depicting the extent of freshwater ecosystems change over time. By helping decision-makers understand ecosystem changes, it is intended to drive action to protect and restore freshwater ecosystems and enable countries to track progress towards the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Target 6.6. 

SDG indicator 6.6.1, one of three SDG 6 indicators for which the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the custodian, tracks changes in different types of water-related ecosystems such as lakes, rivers, wetlands and mangroves. Data on ecosystems are collected by line ministries and institutions, universities and research institutions, NGOs and citizens’ science initiatives (ground-based surveys), and space agencies (Earth observations). 

Data compiled through global reporting on indicator 6.6.1 can be visualised and downloaded at national, sub-national and basin levels through the Freshwater Ecosystems Explorer. Data is available for the following: Permanent & Seasonal Surface Waters, Reservoirs, Wetlands, Mangroves, Water Quality.