Announcements
Announcements
Despite the freshwater biodiversity crisis, freshwater species are rarely considered in broad-scale conservation strategies. This article is based on simulated conservation approaches for over 1500 species and suggests that gains can be made in freshwater conservation without compromising its terrestrial counterpart.
Conservation initiatives overwhelmingly focus on terrestrial biodiversity, and little is known about the freshwater co-benefits of terrestrial conservation actions. The authors of this article sampled more than 1500 terrestrial and freshwater species in the Amazon and simulated conservation for species from both realms.
Prioritizations based on terrestrial species yielded on average just 22% of the freshwater benefits achieved through freshwater-focused conservation. However, by using integrated cross-realm planning, freshwater benefits could be increased by up to 600% for a 1% reduction in terrestrial benefits.
Where freshwater biodiversity data are unavailable but aquatic connectivity is accounted for, freshwater benefits could still be doubled for negligible losses of terrestrial coverage. Conservation actions are urgently needed to improve the status of freshwater species globally. The authors’ results suggest that such gains can be achieved without compromising terrestrial conservation goals.
Media coverage / Harriette Adhiambo Okal, Water Systems expert at the SEI Africa speaks on the direct link between water scarcity and economic stability.
Feature / Luciana Fernandes Coelho reveals Brazil's pivotal role in the BBNJ agreement, a crucial step for protecting marine biodiversity in international waters.
Past event / Join us online or in person as we explore the barriers and enablers to supporting adaptation to climate change for marginalized groups.
Design and development by Soapbox.
