Inland water ecosystems are often extensively modified by humans, more so than marine or terrestrial systems, and are amongst the most threatened ecosystem types of all. Physical alteration, habitat loss and degradation, water withdrawal, overexploitation, pollution and the introduction of invasive alien species are the main threats to these ecosystems and their associated biological resources. More »

GBO-5 Inland Water Highlights

The fifth edition of the Global Biodiversity Outlook (GBO-5) provides a final assessment of progress towards the Aichi Biodiversity Targets. While nearly all of the Aichi Targets are relevant in some way to aquatic biodiversity, there are some specific elements of the Aichi Targets that are especially relevant to achieving biodiverse and sustainable inland water systems; these are Aichi Targets 5, 6, 8, 11, 12, 14 and 15.

For more information, see: GBO-5 Inland Water Highlights

Biodiversity plays an important role in underpinning ecosystem functions and services that are essential for the health and sustainability of our water systems. As outlined in GBO-5, each of the conditions necessary to achieve the 2050 Vision for Biodiversity requires a significant shift away from ‘business as usual’ across a broad range of human activities. The shape and nature of such transformative change can already be identified through a series of transitions under way to a limited extent in key areas. One key transition to a sustainable pathway related to inland water biodiversity is: