Amphibians are among the most threatened species. Photo: Solvin Zankl
Although freshwaters cover less than one per cent of the earth’s surface, they are some of the most species-rich habitats on our planet – so far at any rate. After all, rivers and lakes are experiencing a rapid decline in biological diversity. Researchers at IGB are investigating the causes, making forecasts about the changes and pooling their expertise in biodiversity research and knowledge-based species protection. Researchers of IGB also coordinate the Alliance for Freshwater Life (AFL) – an international network of currently 23 partners from research, education, conservation and politics. Dr. Sonja Jähnig is a member of the coordination team of the AFL network. At the 15th BMBF Forum for Sustainability from 13 to 14 May in Berlin, she will present "Living Water: Research Agenda on the Biological Diversity of Inland and Coastal Waters", an initiative resulting from activities of the Alliance for Freshwater Life.
Statement by Sonja Jähnig:
"The Summary for Policymakers of the IPBES-Report does not take sufficient account of the biodiversity crisis in freshwaters. As researchers for inland waters, we generally speak of an unnoticed species loss, because public attention is focused primarily on charismatic terrestrial or marine species such as the panda, the polar bear, dolphins or whales – and there would also be suitable species in freshwater to draw attention to the often alarming state of freshwater biodiversity. The current summary of the IPBES report identifies changes in land and sea use as key factors in biodiversity loss. Freshwater ecosystems, in particular, are subject to major human impacts. The document shows that 75 percent of freshwater resources are "consumed" for agriculture - just one example of the enormous pressure on inland waters and their biodiversity. The report also cites dramatic statistics for wetlands: Since the 17th century, 85 percent of wetlands have been lost – loss of wetlands is currently three times faster, in percentage terms, than forest loss. Wetlands are important habitats for many animal and plant species. According to the IPBES report, over 40 percent of amphibian species are threatened with extinction. We hope that within the framework of the Alliance for Freshwater Life we can raise the issue of the biodiversity crisis in freshwaters on the social and political Agenda."
The official press release of the Summary for Policymakers of the IPBES-Report.
