Translating science into actions to conserve Amazonian freshwaters

• Published in: Conservation science and practice Vol. 6; no. 11
• Main Authors: Couto, Thiago B. A., Jenkins, Clinton N., Beveridge, Claire F., Heilpern, Sebastian A., Herrera‐R, Guido A., Piland, Natalia C., Leal, Cecilia Gontijo, Zuanon, Jansen, Doria, Carolina R. C., Montoya, Mariana, Varese, Mariana, Correa, Sandra B., Goulding, Michael, Anderson, Elizabeth P.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Chichester, UK John Wiley & Sons, Ltd 01-11-2024; John Wiley & Sons, Inc; Wiley
• Subjects: Amazon Basin; Aquatic ecosystems; Biodiversity; Climate change; Conservation; conservation actions; conservation planning; Deforestation; Ecosystems; Fishing; Fresh water; freshwater biodiversity; Freshwater ecology; Freshwater ecosystems; Freshwater organisms; Habitats; Hydroelectric power; Information management; Introduced species; Invasive species; Libraries; Nonnative species; Planning; Pressing; River ecology; River networks; Terrestrial ecosystems; Water conservation; Water quality; Amazon Basin
• ISSN: 2578-4854; 2578-4854
• DOI: 10.1111/csp2.13241

Despite the importance of freshwater ecosystems to social‐ecological systems of the Amazon, conservation in the region historically has focused on terrestrial ecosystems. Moreover, current information on pressing management and conservation needs specific to freshwaters is scattered across multiple disciplines and generally focused on particular threats, habitats, and taxa. This disparateness of information limits the ability of researchers and practitioners to set priorities and implement actions that comprehensively address challenges faced by freshwater ecosystems. To reduce this research‐implementation gap, we reviewed the scientific literature on Amazon freshwater conservation to identify pressing actions to be taken and potential directions for their implementation. We identified 63 actions gleaned from 174 publications. These were classified into six major themes: (i) implement environmental flows, (ii) improve water quality, (iii) protect and restore critical habitats, (iv) manage exploitation of freshwater organisms, (v) prevent and control invasive species, and (vi) safeguard and restore freshwater connectivity. Although each action may face different implementation challenges, we propose three guiding principles to support action planning and decisions on‐the‐ground. We conclude with a reflection on potential future directions to place freshwaters into the center of policies and agreements that target the conservation of the Amazon.
Freshwaters of the Amazon are experiencing unprecedented changes, but decades of research and practice have produced a rich foundation for advancing management solutions. Through a comprehensive review of the scientific literature on Amazon freshwater conservation, we highlighted 63 conservation actions that combined are critical for the long‐term persistence of freshwater ecosystems. We conclude with a reflection on potential future directions to place freshwaters into the center of policies and agreements that target the conservation of the Amazon.