Global importance of Amazonian freshwaters

Jenkins C.N.; Athayde S.; Beveridge C.F.; Correa S.B.; Espinoza J.-C.; Heilpern S.A.; Herrera-R G.A.; Victoria-Lacy L.; Olivas P.; Oliveira A.; Piland N.C.; Utsunomiya R.; Anderson E.P. · Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment (2025) · DOI: 10.1002/fee.2868

Resumen

Amazonian freshwaters have large influences on regional and global climate, harbor remarkable and unique species, and are vital to human society. Nevertheless, as compared to their terrestrial counterparts in the Amazon, these freshwaters have received less attention from the international conservation community. There is an urgent need to better integrate Amazonian freshwaters into conservation strategies. To guide this integration, we suggest an approach built upon three foundational pillars: hydroclimate, biodiversity, and human dimensions. The hydroclimate pillar reflects the Amazon’s role in regional and global climate, water cycling, and carbon storage. The biodiversity pillar reflects the unparalleled variety of freshwater species and their role in ecosystems, emphasizing endemism and ecological function. The human dimensions pillar reflects the rich biocultural heritage of the Amazonian peoples and their reliance on freshwaters for millennia. Heightened attention to these three pillars can help steer the way to a more sustainable future for Amazonian freshwaters.

Instituciones: Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú