Concerning rivers: Expanding knowledge and protection of freshwater ecosystems

How can we conserve freshwater ecosystems as efficiently as possible? This question drives my research, which focuses on understanding the gaps, opportunities, and coordination needed to safeguard global biodiversity—especially freshwater species. First, are we sure we have sufficient knowledge of freshwater biodiversity? My work shows that major information gaps, taxonomic biases, and uneven sampling across regions limit our ability to assess species’ status and design effective conservation strategies. Second, can less threatened ecosystems yield the same conservation benefits as the most threatened ones? By examining spatial patterns of freshwater species and threats, I evaluate whether conservation investments in moderately impacted systems can deliver equal or greater long-term outcomes compared to prioritizing only the most degraded hotspots. Finally, can we achieve optimal conservation outcomes without global coordination? Mismatches between freshwater biodiversity distribution, national priorities, and institutional capacities hamper global progress, but enhanced international cooperation can unlock more equitable and efficient conservation solutions.