9 reasons people need freshwater biodiversity
The following piece is based on a paper, released on 7th February 2023, by 22 scientists, including SHOAL Advisory Board members Ian Harrison, Rajeev Raghavan and David Tickner.
NATURAL BENEFITS
Freshwater biodiversity, from fish to frogs and microbes to macrophytes, provides people with a wide range of natural benefits. The accelerating pace of biodiversity loss and declining ecological function within freshwater ecosystems is the focus of mounting concerns.
People Need Freshwater Biodiversity is a new paper from 22 scientists. This includes 3 SHOAL Advisory Board members – Ian Harrison, Rajeev Raghavan and David Tickner. The paper catalogues nine fundamental ecosystem services provided to people by the biotic components of indigenous freshwater biodiversity. These services are organised into three categories:
- material: food; health and genetic resources; material goods
- non-material: culture; education and science; recreation
- regulating: catchment integrity; climate regulation; water purification and nutrient cycling
It is vital to protect, conserve and restore the biodiversity of freshwater, as well as inspire a broader appreciation of freshwater ecosystems. It is only then that the wide range of services provided will continue to contribute to human well-being and our sustainable future.
GRAPHIC ABSTRACT
