Three major steps toward the conservation of freshwater and riparian biodiversity

Abstract

Freshwater ecosystems and their bordering wetlands and riparian zones are vital for human society and biological diversity. Yet, they are among the most degraded ecosystems on the planet, with sharp declines in biodiversity driven by human activities such as hydropower development, agriculture, forestry and fisheries. Since freshwater ecosystems are characterized by strongly reciprocal linkages with surrounding landscapes, human activities that encroach upon or degrade riparian zones ultimately lead to declines in freshwater‐riparian ecosystem functioning. Here, we present the synthesis of a symposium on freshwater‐riparian‐wetland processes and interactions, where we identified current major gaps and problems in research and conservation practice. We argue that freshwater and riparian research and conservation efforts should be integrated more explicitly, and we analyze some of the major issues faced by the stakeholders who wish to improve freshwater and riparian research and management. We present best practices for overcoming three major barriers to improved conservation: lack of involvement of local people in conservation research and management, an absence of adequate measurement of biodiversity in freshwater and riparian ecosystems, and separated riparian and freshwater conservation in legislation and policy guidelines. Integrating these three angles will provide substantial benefits in addressing the freshwater biodiversity crisis.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved