Freshwater Ecosystem Ecology and Conservation: From Aquatic Biodiversity to Sustainable Management

Dear Colleagues,

Freshwater ecosystems (e.g., rivers, streams, lakes, groundwater, wetlands and aquifers) sustain a disproportionate share of global biodiversity, housing over 10% of all known species, despite covering a minute fraction of the Earth’s surface. However, these environments are now globally recognized as among the most endangered ecosystems on the planet. The synergistic effects of anthropogenic pressures, including land-use and land-cover change, pollution, overexploitation of resources, habitat degradation, invasive species, and, crucially, climate change, are driving an alarming decline in freshwater ecosystem health and species populations.

Research in this field is both fundamental and urgent. Sustainable management of freshwater is vital for global water and food security, human well-being, and the maintenance of essential ecosystem services. It is imperative that science provides the necessary ecological understanding and practical solutions to reverse current degradation trends, effectively integrating the study of biodiversity ecology with applied conservation and resource management strategies. Equally important is the inclusion of community engagement and conservation efforts, encompassing traditional ecological knowledge, citizen science, and the active participation of local communities in the stewardship of freshwater ecosystems. These human dimensions are critical to designing inclusive, context-sensitive and sustainable conservation strategies.

This Special Issue, titled ‘Freshwater Ecosystem Ecology and Conservation: From Aquatic Biodiversity to Sustainable Management’, aims to gather cutting-edge research that bridges the gap between fundamental ecological knowledge and its effective application in conservation practice. Our goal is to present studies that not only address the causes and consequences of biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation but, most importantly, propose, implement and evaluate innovative solutions and policies for the sustainable management of freshwater ecosystems.

This theme is highly relevant and central to the scope of the Journal Conservation. We seek articles that inform and enhance conservation strategies at multiple levels, ranging from the protection of critical habitats and endangered species to the development of effective action plans and large-scale restoration efforts. We also welcome contributions that explore traditional ecological knowledge, community-based conservation, and the role of local actors in the management of freshwater ecosystems, recognizing their potential to inform and complement scientific approaches. The emphasis will be placed on work that demonstrates practical utility and conservation impact, directly contributing to the knowledge base required by managers, policymakers and conservation organizations worldwide.

In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but not limited to) the following:  

• Conservation of Endangered Freshwater Species: In situ and ex situ management plans, risk assessment, and population management strategies for threatened aquatic flora and fauna.
• Ecological Restoration and Connectivity: Studies on the effectiveness of river and wetland restoration techniques, barrier removal, and improving aquatic connectivity for migratory species.
• Protected Area Management and Policy: Evaluation of the effectiveness of protected areas in safeguarding freshwater ecosystems and the integration of conservation science into water policies and territorial planning.
• Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) for Water Management: Applications of NBS for flood mitigation, water quality improvement, and biodiversity conservation in both urban and rural catchments.
• Community Engagement and Conservation: Research on traditional ecological knowledge, citizen science, and the role of local communities in the stewardship and conservation of freshwater resources. 

We look forward to receiving your contributions. 

Dr. José Max Barbosa Oliveira Júnior
Dr. Mayerly Alexandra Guerrero-Moreno
Guest Editors

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