This thesis is written at a time when the world faces many challenges. Gross violation of human rights persists, discrimination against and alienation of marginalized groups continues, the gulf between rich and poor yawns ever wider, and the rapid degradation of the environment continues to gain momentum. One area upon which environmental degradation impacts most crucially is water. In terms of vulnerability and scarcity as a commodity, water has come to be called by some 'the new oil'. Already, water has influenced political strategies and been the cause of wars. The aim of this thesis has been, firstly, to identify the status and trends in inland water ecosystems and their immediate dependents, with particular reference to indigenous communities living close to the water source, and hence more directly affected. If the destruction of inland water ecosystems is allowed to continue unchecked, it will inevitably have disastrous universal consequences. The thesis also discusses the protection of indigenous knowledge and innovations, provided by intellectual property and other instruments, and attempts to analyse developments in international law, which have relevance for indigenous peoples in connection with the conservation, management and sustainable use of inland water systems.