9 reasons people need freshwater biodiversity

A photograph of a European eel in a paper about freshwater biodiversity.

In a new paper 22 scientists catalogue nine fundamental ecosystem services provided by 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.

Read the full paper here→

GRAPHIC ABSTRACT

A graphical abstract of nine fundamental ecosystem services that the biotic components of indigenous freshwater biodiversity provide to people. Text in centre says "people need freshwater biodiversity". There are nine circles around the outside which have text and matching icons in. From the top, clockwise, they say: "Food", "Climate regulation", "Recreation", "Material goods", "Water purification and nutrient cycling", "culture", "health and genetic resources", "catchment integrity", and "science and education".