Dhaka, Dec. 8 -- More than 60% of Asia and the Pacific's population-about 2.7 billion people-has been lifted from extreme water insecurity over the past 12 years, but these hard-won gains are threatened by accelerating environmental decline and a major financing gap, according to a new Asian Development Bank (ADB) report.

The Asian Water Development Outlook (AWDO) 2025, published on Monday, finds that renewed political commitment, targeted investments, and governance reforms since 2013 have driven this progress.

But ecosystem decline, climate risks, and funding shortfalls for water investments threaten to plunge billions back into water insecurity.

Wetlands, rivers, aquifers, and forests that sustain long-term water security are deteri...