Third Message of the European Environment Agency – Freshwater Ecosystems
| The third EEA assessment of
European biodiversity is focused on freshwater ecosystems and delivers the
following key messages: freshwater ecosystems in Europe are rich in
biodiversity but at risk as their biodiversity has suffered from pollution
and degraded water quality. The ecosystem services they provide to humans
are essential and therefore restoring and preserving natural freshwater
ecosystems has multiple benefits and should be encouraged.
The publication provides description of the variety of freshwater ecosystems in Europe, along with the surrounding wetlands and the species inhabiting them. The essential ecosystem services to humans, such as cleaning water, preventing floods, producing food, providing energy and regulating freshwater resources are described as well. Further on, the pressures affecting the European freshwater ecosystems are listed, such as modification of freshwater ecosystems, fragmentation, invasive alien species, pollution and degraded water quality. In addition, the fact that many inland waters endure too little water (water scarcity and drought), too much water (floods), and modification by artificial structures, is stressed. The impacts of climate change are also investigated. As a result, the authors conclude that the freshwater biodiversity is at risk. |
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Corresponding to the risks and threats to the freshwater biodiversity, certain measures of restoration and preservation have been taken, which are described in the publication. In addition, the future steps towards freshwater ecosystem conservation and the multiple benefits these measures bring are mentioned. According to the authors, the restoration and conservations activities require close coordination between nature protection, water uses, energy production and spatial planning.
Finally, it is said that Europe has taken action to improve freshwater ecosystem quality but achieving good ecological status by 2015, as stipulated in the Water Framework Directive, will require that synergies are found between nature conservation policies and sectoral policies, with special focus on restoring many water regimes.
The publication provides a detailed list of further reading.
This document is the 3rd in a series of '10 messages for 2010'. Each message provides a short assessment focusing on a specific ecosystem or issue related to biodiversity in Europe. The remaining messages will be published at various intervals throughout 2010. More detailed information on the published and forthcoming messages can be found at www.eea.europa.eu/publications/10-messages-for-2010.
10 messages for 2010: Freshwater ecosystems- Full text, PDF
Source: European Environment Agency