The BioFresh Booth: representing freshwater biodiversity at Jeju
Thousands of people and hundreds of NGO’s will be taking part in the biggest conservation event in the world this week. With the start of the IUCN World Conservation Congress just a day away, this post gives an overview of what BioFresh will be doing during the congress.
The IUCN Congress in Jeju, South Korea provides a great platform to get freshwater biodiversity issues on the agenda. BioFresh will be represented at the congress by Aaike de Wever, who will be running the BioFresh Booth and mingling with whoever is lucky enough to cross his path.
At the BioFresh Booth we will be presenting several posters about freshwater biodiversity issues, the BioFresh project and the work on freshwater biodiversity data that we’ve been undertaking. Our first aim here is to raise the policy profile of freshwater biodiversity issues and the BioFresh project. We’ll also be highlighting the need to make (freshwater) biodiversity data openly available and talk about the data infrastructure that we’re building. Take a look at one of the posters that we will be showcasing at Jeju (see below).
BioFresh data poster as presented at the 2012 IUCN World Conservation Congress
Another of our aims during the congress is to create an open dialogue with freshwater and biodiversity managers, practitioners, policy-makers and scientists about the conservation of freshwater ecosystems and the need for a freshwater biodiversity portal. We would also encourage any feedback, suggestions, comments, questions and any other queries about what we are doing in Jeju as this is also part of the open dialogue that we are trying to create.
In addition to the BioFresh Booth, we will be participating in a knowledge cafe to discuss the establishment of a Global Wetlands Observing System (GWOS) – a network and portal for organising information on wetlands and their wise use. Part of the Ramsar strategic plan, this exciting development aims to provide a knowledge-base for monitoring and protection of wetlands worldwide. The GWOS would allow for data and information on the location of wetlands, their level of biodiversity, and the services they provide to people to be openly accessible to anyone interested around the world.
We’ll also be providing updates and summaries of key developments for freshwater biodiversity during the congress here and on twitter, so keep and eye out for these. If you’re at the congress and want to drop in, say hi, and chat about freshwater, the BioFresh Booth can be found at the exhibition (booth 149) in the Ieodo Plaza in the International Convention Centre. Otherwise stay tuned for more updates about the progress of the congress!
The upcoming IUCN World Conservation Congress offers several promising opportunities for freshwater biodiversity. This post provides a guide to freshwater conservation issues at the IUCN Congress.
176 motions have been submitted to the congress to be discussed and decided upon in Jeju, South Korea next week. Below is a list and summary of the 11 motions that are directly relevant for freshwater biodiversity.
Motion 20: Further steps to combat amphibian crisis
This motion calls for increased priority be given to preventing the amphibian extinction crisis, an issue discussed previously on this blog. Among the requests is the development, support and maintenance of adequate captive breeding programs for species vulnerable to extinction in the wild, further research into Bd and an update of the status of amphibians for the IUCN Red List.
Motion 28: Reversing the turtle survival crisis
Rapid declines of turtle populations worldwide have been occurring for many decades. This motion calls for the expansion of protected areas to ensure protection against targeted exploitation, habitat loss and invasive species and recommends ensuring measures concerning CITES and the trade in turtle parts and derivatives are adequate and properly enforced.
Motion 29: International cooperation for waterbird monitoring to support sound management
The motion proposes a global platform to strengthen the development and implementation of appropriate regional flyway schemes, with a particular focus on Asia. In addition it calls for the enhancement and support of international and regional monitoring schemes to produce reliable and up-to-date data on the status of waterbird populations.
Motion 35: Actions to avert the extinctions of rare dolphins
In the wake of the extinction of the Yangtze River Dolphin this motion calls for urgent action to avoid further extinctions of endangered South Asian river dolphins, as well as Maui’s dolphin, Hector’s dolphin and the Vaquita porpoise.
Motion 43: Biodiversity, protected areas and Key Biodiversity Areas
This motion calls the for development of a data system for data collection and publication linking biodiversity and protected areas in recognition that habitat loss continues to be the primary driver of biodiversity loss. It aims to collaborate with and strengthen complimentary initiatives, such the BioFresh Project!
Motion 84: Preservation of Oasis ecosystems
This motion aims to raise awareness of the numerous threats facing unique oasis ecosystems and of the importance of oasis ecosystems for biodiversity, economic and cultural purposes. It calls for international and national level plans to strengthen resilience of these ecosystems and the people that live there in the face of climate change and changing agricultural practices.
Wetlands function as regulators of hydrological regimes and as habitats for characteristic flora and fauna and provide a wide range of ecosystem services for humans. This motion aims to improve the assessment and management of water resources to preserve wetlands of ecological importance.
Motion 88: Establishing a regional organisation for managing aquatic ecosystems of East Asia
This motion recommends the establishment of an international network for monitoring and managing freshwater and marine ecosystems in East Asia to conserve biodiversity, maintain sustainability, and build resilience under the threats of climate change, overfishing, anthropogenic intervention and environmental accidents.
Motion 90: Río de la Plata Basin wetlands regional initiative
The Rio de la Plata Basin is the 4th largest drainage basin in the world and contains some of the world’s most densely populated mega-cities. This motions calls upon States to maintain the integrity of the wetland ecosystems in the Río de la Plata Basin, strengthen the capacities of civil society, contribute to food and water safety and to promote the sustainable economic development of the region.
Motion 94: Integrated Water Resource Management in the Bahía Blanca estuary in Argentina
Concerned that the mega-project in Puerto Cuatreros, in the Bahía Blanca estuary, will have negative environmental and socio-economic impacts on the area the motion calls on the Argentinian government to adopt measures for the protection and conservation of water-producing ecosystems in the area, list the estuary on the Ramsar wetlands list, and conduct a thorough environmental impact assessment of the mega-project.
This motion asks the IUCN to promote relevant tools in order to ensure the protection and conservation of wetlands and marine areas in Central and West Africa and provide greater support for countries in this region. In addition it urges inter-governmental co-operation to establish consensus on the conservation and management regimes for these ecosystems.
For a full list of all motions submitted to the IUCN World Congress, click here.
For an overview of the congress and a discussion about the opportunities for freshwater biodiversity conservation see here.
We will be publishing several more posts about freshwater at the IUCN congress over the coming days, so keep an eye out.
As London remains captivated by the world’s biggest sporting event, South Korea is gearing up for conservation’s equivalent – the IUCN World Conservation Congress. This article discusses how freshwater biodiversity will fare. Will it be gold for freshwater biodiversity or will it again be left behind?
Members’ Assembly at the IUCN Congress. Photo courtesy of IUCN.
Held once every four years, but not quite on the same scale as the Olympics, the IUCN congress is the world’s biggest and most important conservation event. From 6-15 September Jeju, South Korea will host leaders from government, UN agencies, business, industry and civil society organizations to debate and (hopefully) decide on solutions to the world’s most pressing environment and development challenges.
IUCN Congress Logo and Slogan. Photo courtesy of IUCN
The theme of this year’s congress is ‘Nature+’: a theme intended to capture the “fundamental importance of nature and its inherent link to every aspect of our lives”. The IUCN World Conservation Congress will be centred around five key areas which reflect the IUCN’s priorities for the coming years and build on the theme ‘Nature+’:
– Greening the world economy (nature+ development)
– Conserving and valuing nature (nature+ life)
– Sharing nature’s benefits (nature+ people & governance)
– Nature-based solutions to climate change (nature+ climate)
– Managing ecosystems to improve food security (nature+ food)
While freshwater biodiversity issues could fall under each of the above five areas, just how much attention will actually be given to freshwater ecosystems in Jeju? The IUCN has received 176 motions to be discussed and decided upon at the congress. While the themes shape terms of reference for the congress, it is these motions that give the best indication of what issues will be discussed. And the news certainly looks more promising than in Rio.
Out of the 176 motions submitted, 11 are directly relevant for freshwater biodiversity conservation, many of which appear very promising. However, freshwater biodiversity gets few explicit mentions. According to Will Darwall, manager of the IUCN Freshwater Biodiversity Unit, “freshwater biodiversity is not that well represented [at the congress] unfortunately – much of the focus is on environmental flows etc., but not specifically on freshwater biodiversity.”
But attention is being paid to issues relevant to freshwater biodiversity ranging from increased protection of wetlands in South America and Africa to further steps to combat the amphibian crisis. Of interest, the threat to oasis ecosystems is identified as an emerging issue – a topic that was recently discussed here. The congress will also provide a platform for a number of Korean NGO’s to highlight the environmental issues of the ‘Four Major Rivers Restoration Project‘ in South Korea.
Perhaps the most significant motion that will be discussed is the proposal to establish a regional organisation in Asia for the management of aquatic ecosystems. The proposal seeks to establish a regional governance model for coordinating the monitoring and management of cross-boundary freshwater, coastal, estuarine and marine ecosystems to conserve biodiversity, maintain sustainability, and build resilience in the face of climate change, overfishing, anthropogenic intervention and environmental accidents.
Another interesting proposal, which complements the aims of BioFresh, is a motion that calls for the development of a data system for data collection and publication linking biodiversity and protected areas. It aims to collaborate with and strengthen complimentary initiatives, the BioFresh Project being one such potential initiative.
While not the gold medal that might be hoped for, freshwater biodiversity does get a look in at next week’s congress, although unfortunately not many explicit focus. The 11 motions appear promising, and there are many more motions that may be indirectly relevant for conservation of freshwater ecosystems, such as the development of an IUCN Red List of Ecosystems. Whether these motions will lead to any concrete outcomes, though, remains to be seen. We hope that in the future, all citizens around the world wont have to depend on Home water filters like Pure Water Patriot to make water potable.
We will be posting an overview and summary of all the motions relevant to freshwater biodiversity here tomorrow, so stayed tuned!
Will Bibby is currently completing a Masters (MPhil) in Geography and the Environment at the University of Oxford.
A look into the world of the secretive fire salamander
The newest entry in the BioFresh Cabinet of Curiosities explores the life of the fire salamander. With explanations about its stealthy feeding habits, its saucy sex life, and the mysterious origins of its name, the fire salamander is sure to intrigue and excite.
Fire Salamander. Photo courtesy of Didier Descouens.
The fascinating fire salamander can be spotted on a gentle stroll through the mountain forests and woodlands of Europe or, alternatively, at a zoo. These beautifully coloured creatures also have some very interesting habits.
Have you ever wondered about a fire salamander’s sex life? Me neither, but you’re in for a treat as all the sticky details are laid bare.
What’s on the menu at Cafe Salamander? Well, these small and slow salamanders aren’t known for their speed, so they stealthy go in search of unsuspecting creepy crawlies to munch on. Take a look at a salamander hunt in action!
And how did this creature, which begins its life in the water, become known as the fire salamander? It was originally thought that the answer to this question had been lost centuries ago after a fire destroyed the only known scrolls containing the etymological source of this allusive amphibian*, but the BioFresh blog can today exclusively reveal the reasons behind this centuries long paradox.
So check it out for yourself and be amazed!
*Note: this claim is factually inaccurate.
Ubari Oasis, Libya. Photo courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
Oases are remarkable places. In the middle of the barren, scorching desert they provide a refuge for life. But oasis ecosystems are coming under increasing pressures.
For centuries oases have provided a refuge not only for humans, but also for an under-appreciated diversity of biological life. Oases conjure up images of sanctuary and paradise in some of the most hostile environments on Earth. But there is trouble brewing in paradise. All over the world oasis ecosystems are under threat. Despite this, the plight of oases, and the people and numerous species that live there, remains largely untold.
Oases are unique freshwater ecosystems centred around a spring within an arid region. They contain a unique diversity and interaction of microbial, plant and animal life. While rich in biological life, oases have also proved to be fertile grounds for human settlement. Two-thirds of the population in the Sahara lives in oasis socio-ecosystems, for example.
Desert Oasis in Tunisia. Photo Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
Although oases may seem isolated, their stability depends on interactions between nearby ecosystems and the local climate. In addition, oases play a key role in migratory bird routes and as a refuge for vulnerable and endangered species. Human oasis settlements are also highly connected through trade routes. Instead of isolation then, oases are perhaps better characterised by interactions.
These interactions also make oases vulnerable to anthropogenic changes. Climate change, invasive species and problems associated with intensified land and water use, such as desertification, salinisation, and decrease in water resources are all placing increased pressures on oasis socio-ecosystems.
One current example is the Cuatro Ciengas basin in the Chihuahuan desert in Mexico which is a network of springs and streams high in biodiversity and supports over 70 endemic species (PNAS, vol. 103, p 6565). But intensified agricultural practices, related water consumption in the region and the looming threat of climate change have placed new pressures on this oasis ecosystem. The basin may already have experienced the extinction of several endemic fish and snail species.
Interestingly, the basin may also provide a link to the deep past. The abundant stromatolites and diverse microbial organisms that are present are closely related to marine taxa, even though they have been separate for tens of millions of years! Dr. Souza, one of the researchers working to protect the area, hopes that studying these organisms “may provide a hint on how the planet endured climate catastrophes in the past and perhaps help us understand how to deal with climate change.”
Huacachina Oasis, Peru
But it’s not just natural heritage we stand to lose. At oases cultural and ecological heritage are often intricately linked. The degradation of oases not only causes socio-economic problems for communities reliant on the healthy functioning of these socio-ecosystems, but is leading to rural abandonment and the loss of traditional knowledge.
The preservation of oasis ecosystems was identified as an emerging issue during the IUCN World Conservation Congress in September 2012. This is a promising step in the right direction, but more attention must be given to this issue if conservation efforts are to be successful. If we fail to protect these incredible places, we face losing not only places of significant biodiversity and traces of an ancient past, but a unique piece of human culture.
References:
Association Marocaine pour l’Ecotourisme et la Protection de la Nature, Morocco 2012, ‘Motion 84 to the IUCN Congress: Preservation of Oasis Ecosystems‘, IUCN.
Belluscio A 2011, ‘Mexico’s biodiversity oasis faces destruction‘, Nature News.
IUCN 2011, ‘Improving oasis governance in Tunisia‘.
IUCN 2012, ‘Oases‘.
Souza et al. 2006, ‘An endangered oasis of aquatic microbial biodiversity in the Chihuahuan desert‘, PNAS, vol. 103, no. 17, pp. 6565-6570.
Will Bibby is currently completing a Masters (MPhil) in Geography and the Environment at the University of Oxford.
The latest on the killer fungal disease that is wiping out amphibian populations the world over points to human trade as the biggest factor in the spread of the disease.
It’s been called “the worst infectious disease ever recorded among vertebrates in terms of the number of species impacted, and it’s propensity to drive them to extinction”. The single-celled chytrid fungus known as Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) has decimated amphibian populations around the world. Faced with this killer disease, as well as climate change and habitat loss, hundreds of amphibian species are considered critically endangered or feared extinct.
Unlike other members of the chytrid family, Bd is flesh-eating. It infects the skin of amphibians and releases enzymes that digest their flesh causing fluid imbalance and eventually heart failure. Population decline can be extremely rapid with rare and endemic species most vulnerable to the threat of extinction.
North American Bullfrog. Photo under Creative Commons license.
Although Bd has been around for eons, amphibian population decline only began in the 1980s. It was originally thought to be because of changes to the environment, such as climate change creating ideal conditions for Bd or pollution making amphibians more vulnerable. Yet recent DNA studies have discovered that in the majority of cases where the disease has been deadly the genetic make-up of the fungus has been identical (PNAS, vol 108, p 18732). This suggests that a new, killer strain has emerged.
This has major implications because it means that Bd must be spread through invasive species caused by the human movement of amphibians and not environmental factors. This means that science alone is not enough to solve the problem.
Frogs’ legs. Photo under Creative Commons license.
In addition to amphibians being traded on the exotic pet market, frogs are also commonly traded around the world for leg-meat and research. Making matters worse, some species have been shown to be tolerant of the fungus. This means that healthy frogs may be carriers and spread the disease to other species. Tolerant species which are commonly traded, such as the African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis) for research and the invasive North American bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana) for meat, have been suggested to be one of the principal causes of the spread of the disease.
The trade in amphibians has also been suggested by Matthew Fisher of Imperial College London as one of the reasons for the emergence of the deadly Bd strain because it may have led to the hybridisation of two different strains, creating the lethal strain in the process. Another factor suggested is captive breeding causing artificial selection of strains with higher virulence.
Whatever the cause, one thing is certain. Without adequate regulations governing the trade of amphibians, the disease will keep spreading. These regulations cannot focus on specific species, as CITES does for example, but must cover all amphibian-related trade and all species because every amphibian species may be a potential carrier.
These findings raise serious biosecurity concerns not only about the frog trade, but more broadly. According to Fisher, “we’re seeing a breakdown in global biosecurity that’s having a profound impact on natural environments … we’re seeing it in plant systems, we’re seeing it in animal systems, and we’re seeing it in human systems as well. It’s pretty terrifying.”
Works Cited:
Amphibian Conservation Summit 2005, ‘Amphibian Conservation Action Plan’, <http://www.amphibianark.org/pdf/ACAP_Summit_Declaration.pdf>.
Farrer R. et al. 2011, ‘Multiple emergences of genetically diverse amphibian-infecting chytrids include a globalised hypervirulent recombinant lineage’, Proceeding of the National Academy of Sciences, vol. 108, no. 46, <http://www.pnas.org/content/108/46/18732>.
Holmes B. 2012, ‘Genetic detectives hunt the global amphibian disease’, New Scientist, <http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg21528722.000-genetic-detectives-hunt-the-global-amphibian-killer.html?full=true>.
Marshall M. 2012, ‘Deadly frog disease spreads through tolerant species’, New Scientist, <http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn21583-deadly-frog-disease-spreads-through-tolerant-species.html>.
Sanderson K. 2012, ‘Trade rules must be tightened to halt frog-killing fungus’, Nature News, <http://www.nature.com/news/trade-rules-must-be-tightened-to-halt-frog-killing-fungus-1.10771>.
Will Bibby is currently completing a Masters (MPhil) in Geography and the Environment at the University of Oxford.
Raiders of the Lost Frogs
In 2010, a team of explorers (OK, researchers) set out across the world in search of 100 ‘lost’ frogs. In this post, Will Bibby reports on what they found.
The recent movie ‘The Hunter’ (2011), based on the acclaimed 1999 novel by Julia Leigh, follows a mercenary’s expedition into the Tasmanian Wilderness to find the thought-to-be-extinct Tasmanian Tiger. The idea that a species may not really be extinct, but ‘out there’ somewhere waiting to be found combines the intrigue of exploration, discovery and mystery. Not only does this exciting idea make for a great movie, but it provides the basis for a captivating campaign, too.
The ‘Search for the ‘Lost’ Frogs’ campaign takes this idea and runs with it. In August 2010, Conservation International (CI) and the IUCN Amphibian Specialist Group launched this campaign and supported 126 researchers in 21 different countries in their quest to rediscover a list of 100 amphibians not seen this century – and some not seen for almost 200 years! The campaign takes place against the backdrop of the amphibian extinction crisis. Due to climate change, habitat loss and a deadly fungal disease, amphibian populations around the world are being decimated, causing some species to become extinct in just one breeding season.
But why the need for such a campaign? Well, many suggest that amphibians are the canaries down the coal mine for the environment, serving as barometers for environmental change and degradation. In addition they also play a crucial role for many human activities all over the world such as pest control and nutrient cycling.
Poster from the ‘Search for the Lost Frogs’ campaign. Photo courtesy of the Conservation International.
While many of the expeditions came home empty-handed, a promising number had success. In fact, since the start of the campaign 2 years ago, 30 ‘lost’ species have been rediscovered. Among these include three of the campaign’s ‘top 10’ most wanted species: the Rio Pescado Stubfoot Toad (Atelopus balios) of Ecuador, the Bornean Rainbow Toad (Ansonia latidisca) last seen in 1925 and the Hula painted frog (Discoglossus nigriventer) – a species last seen in 1955 and pronounced extinct after the draining of its habitat in Israel.
But the search did not stop there. Inspired by the campaign, a group of Indian conservationists began their own expedition for missing amphibians resulting in the rediscovery of 5 species. Among these finds were the Chalazodes Bubble-nest Frog (Raorchestes chalazodes) – last seen in 1874 – and the Silent Valley Tropical Frog (Micrixalus thampii), which was amazingly rediscovered in a rubbish bin!
Promising as these findings are, the list of lost amphibians has expanded to 219 species that remain ‘lost’, perhaps forever. This drastically highlights the need for renewed and further research into the status of amphibians around the world, some social media engagement might prove to be beneficial to the awareness of this issue, although there’s no need to buy Instagram likes to make it more popular than it should be. The results of the ‘Search for the Lost Frogs’ campaign at once provides hope for previously thought to be extinct species and a stark reminder of the need for urgent policy and conservation efforts to prevent further amphibian population declines.
Works Cited:
Alford, R. 2011, Ecology: Bleak future for amphibians, Nature
Amphibian Specialist Group IUNC 2012, Lost Frogs.
Conservation International 2012, ‘The Search for the Lost Frogs’
Lost! Amphibians of India 2012, ‘In search of ‘lost species’
Marris, E 2012, Fatal frog fungal disease figured out, Nature.
Special Feature: Amphibians
If you are hiking in the Alps this summer and it rains, be sure to look out for the Alpine Salamander. Image: Thomas Huntke, Germany, Wikimedia Commons
The worrying declines in amphibian species globally have been widely reported in the popular and scientific media. As well as the ethical dimension of extinctions, the declines may have significant implications for ecosystems functioning and services and conservation planning. In this special feature we present a round-up of some recent amphibian science, policy and conservation action. Over the next few weeks we will run a series of posts on the topics below. We recognize these represent only part of the amphibian issue and so would welcome guest posts or suggestions for other topics that we should cover.
Latest research underlines the impact of three major threats to all Amphibian species
Raiders of the lost Frogs : an up-date on the CI/IUCN ‘Search for the lost frogs’ campaign
Amphibian trade and the spread of the amphibian fungal disease
Cabinet of Curiosities Entry: European Salamander
Amphibians at the IUCN Congress: an interview with the Amphibian Survival Alliance (part 1)
The future of amphibian conservation: an interview with the Amphibian Survival Alliance (part 2)
The Biodiversity Matrix – a database of contemporary distributions and drivers of freshwater biodiversity
One way of answering the question “What is the Biofresh project trying to do?” is to say that we are striving to create a functional data ecosystem that will enhance our ability to understand and conserve freshwater biodiversity. Part of this task involves creating connection points where related forms of data are assembled into a functional whole (in a scientific and policy sense). One such connection point is the Biodiversity Matrix or “BioMatrix” being developed by Dr Savrina Carrizo and Dr William Darwall at the IUCN Global Species Programme Freshwater Biodiversity Unit in Cambridge, UK.
In essence, the BioMatrix is an interoperable database of contemporary distributions and drivers of freshwater biodiversity mapped to key spatial frameworks used for scientific analysis and for policy and planning. The BioMatrix will primarily map data to the new HydroSHEDS catchments because these provide a multi-scale, global standard of ecologically meaningful spatial units. However, if cross-mapping proves feasible it will also be possible to extract and map data for other spatial units such as Natura 2000 sites and Water Framework Directive (WFD) reporting units.
Conceptual overview of the BioMatrix database
Commenting on the significance of the BioMatrix, lead developer Savrina Carrizo believes that “Once assembled, the BioMatrix will save scientists an enormous amount of effort in data preparation as the species distributions, their conservation status and environmental data have all been compiled and mapped to a common spatial framework. This will enable scientists to focus on extracting the data of interest and running their analyses.
For those seeking more policy visibility for freshwater biodiversity, the BioMatrix itself will help highlight the knowledge gaps in the conservation status and distribution of freshwater species and promote investment in filling these gaps. Among numerous applications, the BioMatrix can be used to show where freshwater species distributions overlap with threatening processes, helping to inform decision-makers.
The BioMatrix is due for release in October 2012. It will support the science being conducted under several Biofresh workpackages and summary maps will be generated from the BioMatrix for the forth-coming Biofresh Atlas of Freshwater Biodiversity. The BioMatrix is conceived of as a ‘working’ database that will be developed beyond October 2012 as new data become available from IUCN mapping initiatives and other initiatives.
The data that will be included in the BioMatrix
Geographical coverage – The database includes areas where IUCN freshwater assessments have been completed and mapped to date. As further areas are completed, the data will be incorporated in the BioMatrix.
Species coverage – Species include freshwater birds, mammals, amphibians, crabs, crayfish, fish, odonata, molluscs, reptiles, turtles, shrimps and aquatic plants. A preliminary version of the BioMatrix dataset comprises data on the global distributions of 13,500 freshwater species across six taxonomic groups (i.e. 462 crayfish, 87 aquatic reptiles, 3263 aquatic amphibians, 8870 freshwater fishes, 699 aquatic birds, and 119 aquatic mammal species). Throughout 2012, new species distributions will be mapped by the IUCN team and these will be added to the BioMatrix as they become available. The threat status of each species is sourced from The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™.
Environmental data coverage – The environmental data relate to climate, topography, hydromorphology, geomorphology, land cover, ecology and human demography. Other layers could include the CVI which is being developed in BioFresh Work Package 5.
Species distributions – Distributional data is based on species presence and summaries based on diversity metrics such as species richness and threatened species richness will be available.
Spatial units – The core spatial framework of the BioMatrix is the HydroSHEDS catchment layer. Other spatial units, such as WWF freshwater ecoregions, Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs), Natura 2000 sites and Water Framework Directive (WFD) reporting units, will also be considered for addition if cross-mapping from HydroSHEDS is found to be feasible.
Panoramic freshwater photographer Paul Stewart’s first solo exhibition opens in France
As the summer holidays in Europe begin, the thoughts of freshwater scientists and managers turn to lazy days hanging out by lakes and rivers soaking up the cultural ecosystem services they provide! Paul Stewart is an artist and photographer who has made this his life. His first solo exhibition opened Sunday in Le Pouliguen on the Atlantic coast of France. The BioFresh blog asked Paul about the inspiration for his work.
BioFresh Blog: You’ve been photographing rivers and wetlands for years. What is it that draws you to freshwaters as a subject of your art?
Paul Stewart: The short answer is simply that every river or wetland is a great story.
I grew up near the Eden River in Cumbria and as a boy those endless summers were invariably spent in the river cooling off in cut-off jeans, floating on an old tractor inner-tube or swinging off a rope dubiously attached to an over hanging tree. …or taping my mother’s cutlery to a stick and rolling stones to skew and butcher some eels.
As a rower in my teens we’d spend many weekends attending regattas on the Tyne and Tees. Water just seemed to be cool and I’d spend days fishing the stream at the back of the house. A short rod and reel, a hook and a worm and a couple of pieces of shot to take it to the bottom. I’d be back at tea time. It was all so simple.
These are beautiful memories and perhaps they are the basis of my fascination with water. I loved the solitude, the sounds and of course the catch. I still love walking along a river especially in a city. In an urban situation it’s the only place where you can see far rather than just across or down the street.
BFB: Your panorama photos are truly remarkable, but why have you chosen to focus on this medium?
PS: Well thanks a lot. Panoramas appeal to me both from a technical point of view – the craft of shooting multiple images stitching and fusing exposure – and from the perspective of creating an arresting image either as a final exhibition print or as a piece of interactive media.
Panoramic media is essentially mathematic: a constant 360° x 180°. In man-made environments the final image may have the function of illustrating a city square or the interior of a building but it’s frankly quite boring to look at in print. The environment doesn’t follow these repetitive ‘boxes’ at all and this is the part that excites me as a photographer. The point to remember is that when taking panos you aren’t doing any cropping whatsoever. You shoot everything, everywhere. Revealing details and having an awareness of my complete surroundings is a technique I revel in. In many cases I’m only a few centimeters from the subject matter that will come to dominate the final image. This can create a real wow factor in print and when one explores and navigates the image online. In the print versions I seek to tease a viewer’s perceptions. Water always plays a key role in the composition either from its presence or from its absence.
BFB: Congratulations on your first solo exhibition. What is the issue behind the title “Site Ramsar 999 – Zone Humide du Cambodge”
PS: It’s the first time that this portfolio has been formally shown in Europe. Ramsar Site 999 has already been successfully exhibited in Phnom Penh and during the Phnom Penh Photo Festivals.
This Ramsar Site is officially called, ‘The Middle Stretches of Mekong River North of Stoeng Treng’. It’s an absolute jewel and a feast for the eyes, but it’s a real mouthful and with 999 being the UK emergency telephone number I thought the stars had aligned not only for great imaging but also memorable promotion material.
I’d traveled this section of the Mekong when traveling between Laos and Cambodia in the late nineties and was just staggered at the flora. It just had to go in the diary for a future visit where I could get off the boat and explore at my own pace on foot. At that time, in the 1990s, the river was the only official international thoroughfare. I remember my passport being stamped on either side of the river in rickety stilted shacks with friendly customs officers.
Then I had no idea it was a Ramsar listed wetland [BFB at that time Cambodia hadn’t recognised the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance]. I had no idea what Ramsar was. It just looked like nothing I’d seen in my whole life. It was and still is pure magic to me.
The site itself is not threatened by any particular issues in the short term. It is home to some extremely poor communities and some are benefiting from recent community based tourism initiatives. It is also home to the most Northerly pods of Irrawaddy Dolphin. Problems will arise however if the planned mainstream dams are built in the lower Mekong basin. Of the eleven penciled in so far. The Stung Treng dam may well swallow this site completely in the years to come.
BFB: Do you think art can play a role in efforts to save freshwater life and if so how?
PS: Photography already plays a crucial role in highlighting the catastrophic losses in freshwater habitat and biodiversity. Highlighting it is not enough though. It’s old school, like a newspaper reporting on something. It’s past tense. The damage is already done.
Imaging is an integral part of collective and effective communication across all broadcast channels with the exception of radio. It should not be considered, in my opinion, as just a supplemental addition but it should be nurtured and supported as a part of the commons.
What it looks like matters.
BFB: …and finally, what are your plans for the future?
PS: I’d give my right bollock to shoot all the Ramsar Sites. What a thought! The portfolio of Ramsar wetlands is truly impressive. In panorama it would make a fantastic online and offline experience as well as a valuable future resource.
There is synergy with my work and their objectives. If my images help in creating a wider debate or a conversation on value and role of wetlands then they will be of real value. I have no formal link with Ramsar but they have been enthusiastic supporters of my work and I very much appreciate what involvement they have had. Unfortunately, to my knowledge, they don’t support imaging financially.
Obviously for me to continue to explore wetlands and the story of water I need to sell my work and producing limited edition prints is a traditional method to achieve it. Being an artist, especially one using digital imaging, there is a challenge in terms of legitimacy within the ivory towers of photography who seem to still favour established approaches This will change over time as they embrace the digital age.
Paul’s show “Site Ramsar 999 – Zone Humide du Cambodge” runs from 15th July to 31st August at Gallerie Hasy, 21 Grande Rue, 44510, Le Pouliguen, France. It is open Wednesday to Sunday 10-12.30 and 15.30-19.30. Google maps here.
We encourage readers living or holidaying in France to drop by and maybe think about how these sort or aesthetic and artistic values of freshwater systems fit into the ecosystem services framework. We wish Paul every success with his show and his wonderful dream of photographing the world’s Ramsar sites!
The Freshwater Blog 