This afternoon WWF, Greenpeace and key Brazilian organizations will be mounting a Twitter campaign to urge Brazil’s President Dilma Rousseff to veto the Forest Code Approved by Congress in April. The bill has been condemned by WWF on three key grounds: a) millions of acres forest illegally cleared prior to 2008 will be legalized through amnesty, b) landowners could be allowed to reduce the obligatory required forest cover from 80% to 50%, and c) large areas of floodplains and other sensitive areas will be opened to cattle ranching and farming. Writing in the Guardian, John Vidal reports that critics of the bill say it could lead to the loss of 220,000 square kilometres of Amazonian rainforest, an area close to the combined size of the UK and France.
As our small contribution to the debate, today we added the fantastic Arapaimas to the BioFresh Cabinet of Freshwater Curiosities. Guest curator, Daniel Gurdak, profiles these ancient, armored freshwater giants that ply the rivers and floodplains of the Amazon. The Arapaima’s, riverine habitats are susceptible to forest clearance and this group of river giants remind us that future generations may judge today’s decision makers harshly if incredible life forms like this are lost from the Earth.
Arapaima sp. from Guyana. Image: D.J. Stewart[/caption]
More than 1.5 million people have already petitioned President Dilma and the number is expect to rise with this afternoon’s twitter campaign (#vetatudodilma #SOSBrazil) which is encouraging others to sign-up to the Avaaz petition
An adult male Ecnomiohyla rabborum, a species ravaged by chytridiomycosis in its native habitat. Image: Brian Gratwicke
A series of recent papers in Nature frame the key threats to amphibian species on the global scale. IUCN classifies 30% of all amphibian species as threatened and establishing the cause of this trend is pressing priority for conservation science.
Widespread declines in amphibian populations were first noticed in the 1980s. Habitat degradation through pollution, human land-use and climate change were initially identified as causal factors, but recent papers give more attention to the fungal disease chytridiomycosis. This is caused by Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis and occurs mainly in cooler regions, with varying virulence in different species. The disease was first discovered in amphibians in 1998 and is widespread: it is known to have caused local extinction in some frog species. A current chytridiomycosis global pandemic is underway and may be responsible for many species becoming critically endangered. However, little is known about the overall effects of these major threats (chytridiomycosis, climate change and habitat degradation) and how they could interact to further endanger the global amphibian population.
Hof et al publish a letter in Nature addressing the issue of understanding how the fungal disease pandemic, climate change and land-use change are affecting amphibians worldwide. In a model which takes into account the spatial distribution of these three threats, the interactions between them and the global distribution of all amphibian species, they predict that species in different regions will face varying levels of each threat, often not simultaneously. All three orders of amphibian were included in this model, frogs, salamanders and caecilians, and the outlook for all is fairly poor.
Hof et al predict that by 2080 over half of the species in tropical regions (with the greatest amphibian diversity) will be facing drastic declines due to both climate change and habitat degradation. The occurrence of chytridiomycosis will become more concentrated in temperate and mountainous areas. What is most worrying is that the spatial distribution of these declines is very widespread and not particularly overlapping. For example, amphibians in tropical areas such as Africa and South America will be most negatively impacted by climate change, but not so threatened by the disease pandemic. Overall, more than half of the total geographic distribution for frogs, salamanders and caecilians will be highly affected by the three main threats.
Our beleaguered amphibian species are facing accelerating rates of decline over the next few years, Hof et al predicting that the interaction of climate change, disease and habitat degradation is far more damaging than each threat alone. Amphibians can be found in almost every terrestrial habitat (apart from Polar Regions) and in some ecosystems are important apex predators. They also play an important role in linking terrestrial and freshwater habitats in both tropical and temperate zones. It is important that future conservation takes into account all threats to amphibian species before making decisions on how best to ameliorate population decline.
At this week’s 2012 Whitley Awards Ceremony two freshwater conservationists were among the eight winners. The Whitley Fund for Nature locates and recognizes the world’s most dynamic conservation leaders and support projects founded on good science, community involvement and pragmatism.
Ir Bundioni was honored for his efforts to conserve Indonesia’s last population of freshwater Irrawaddy dolphins in the Mahakam River system. In 2000 Budi, founded the NGO Yayasan Konservasi RASI (YK-RASI) to protect endangered aquatic species and their habitats in Indonesia. They are working to established community-supported protected areas for the dolphins and their prey and deploying the dolphin as a flagship species to promote the adoption of less harmful fishing practices and the development of ecotourism and other alternative livelihoods.
Carlos Vasquez Almazan, Curator of Herpetology at Guatamla’s National Museum of Natural History and Coordinator of the Amphibian Conservation Programme of Foundation for Eco-development and Conservation (FUNDAECO), was honored efforts to rally support for protection of the Sierra Caral cloud forest on the border of Guatemala and Honduras. Carlos has led amphibian surveys across Guatemala discovering new species and re-discovering others thought to be extinct. In so doing he has raised interest in the country’s diverse amphibian fauna. As a result, Guatemala’s first reserve for amphibian conservation, encompassing 2,300 hectares, and protecting five critically endangered species was declared in 2011.
The BioFresh Blog salutes the great work of Budi and Carlos and we wish them and their teams every success in the future.
A key output of BioFresh will be Climate Vulnerability Index (or CVI) for freshwater biodiversity. Jon David and Paul Jepson, at the University of Oxford, are leading on the design of this index. This will be the first index to explicitly consider the vulnerability of riverine biodiversity to climate change at a global scale. As such, the design process has involved returning to first principles and specifically settling on a definition of ‘vulnerability’ that is both quantifiable and ecologically meaningful at the global scale.
So what is vulnerability? There are many existing vulnerability indices that consider the potential impact of future climate change, but the vast majority of these focus on human livelihoods and infrastructure. In spite of this, the term ‘vulnerability’ is used to mean different things within these papers and often consists of different components. The International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) currently defines ‘vulnerability’ as a function of ‘exposure’, ‘sensitivity’ and ‘adaptive capacity’. However, after much deliberation and consultation we have decided to externalise exposure from vulnerability for the reasons outlined below.
Our definition of ‘intrinsic vulnerability’ assesses the degree to which the persistence of a population is dependent upon the prevailing climate (sensitivity) and the capacity of a population to cope with future climate change (adaptive capacity) (see Figure 1). A great advantage of conceptualising vulnerability in this way is that it removes the need to use climate and hydrological models to forecast future changes (exposure), and shifts the analysis towards a trait-based approach. This is particularly desirable due to the lack of accurate and reliable future data at a sufficiently fine-scale resolution globally.
The significance between the IPCC definition of ‘vulnerability’ and our definition of ‘intrinsic vulnerability’ can be summed up clearly in the following analogy. An individual may be immunologically pre-disposed to contracting a specific disease (sensitivity) but live in a region where vaccinations against the disease are not available (adaptive capacity). However, the disease does not occur in the region that they live (exposure). Thus, if exposure is included as component of ‘vulnerability’ the individual would have a low vulnerability index score because they are not exposed to the disease. However, if exposure is externalised from vulnerability, the individual would score as highly vulnerable due to both their high sensitivity and low adaptive capacity. Furthermore, in a scenario where the individual were to come into contact with the disease (future exposure), this could be combined with their high intrinsic vulnerability to identify them as high risk to potential impact from the disease. In our view this latter approach of externalising exposure provides a more logical and robust vulnerability index that can be combined with various exposure scenarios generate spatial maps of potential threat impacts. This approach supports the idea that such indices should be designed as ‘plug-ins’, or informatics components, that can be utilised in a wide range of future applications.
The CVI also covers exciting new ground by including an ‘Institutional Adaptive Capacity’ component. This is an essential addition that is frequently left out of other global indices and brings a multi-disciplinary approach to this global index. Put simply, it recognises that freshwater life residing in ‘High Conservation Capacity’ regions (such as Western Europe, North America etc.) will be less vulnerable than that residing elsewhere because institutions and publics have more capacity to mobilise and form polices and management schemes that will aid climate adaptation.
It is our target to release a version 1.0 of the CVI in September 2012. The CVI makes use of the best global datasets available within the financial and time constraints of the project. As such, it is our vision that the CVI will be augmented and bettered as newer data becomes available. Next week’s blog post will consider how the CVI makes use of these global datasets and what scope there is for future development of the index.
From 27-30 March 35 Biofresh project members met at Merton College four days of discussions, presentations on on-going research and forward planning. Here Biofresh project leader, Prof Klement Tockner, provides his reflections on key outcomes of the meeting.
Meet the BioFresh team: Klement Tockner
We continue our series of articles giving a ‘behind the scenes’ look at the work carried out by BioFresh scientists this week with an interview with BioFresh project leader Klement Tockner who is the Director of the Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology & Inland Fisheries (IGB). The IGB is an independent and interdisciplinary research centre dedicated to the creation, dissemination, and application of knowledge about freshwater ecosystems. The Institutes three cross-cutting research domains focus on freshwater biodiversity, freshwater boundaries and linkages, and on human-ecosystem interactions.
1 What is the focus of your work for BioFresh, and why?
My key duty as coordinator of BioFresh is to lead, support, and integrate the various activities of the entire project. I would consider it as great success if BioFresh increases the awareness of the critical state of freshwater biodiversity, stimulates novel, innovative research directions, and supports the development of a new culture of data sharing.
Personally, I am working on floodplain systems, the most diverse, dynamic, and complex ecosystems globally. With respect to biodiversity they are as diverse as rainforests and coral reefs. A main focus of my research is to disentangle the complex linkages and feedbacks between hydrogeomorphic processes and biodiversity, and the consequences of biodiversity on ecosystem processes.
A side project that is very relevant for BioFresh is to build up a global data base on Biological Field Stations. At present, we include about 1500 stations in the data base; these stations form a global infrastructure and information network that is pivotal for long-term biodiversity research, education, and regional outreach activities.
I consider my work as a fundamental basis to develop strategies for managing river corridors as coupled socio-ecological landscapes, by integrating multiple natural ecological services with constructed services for increasing the total wealth provided by these ecosystems.
Today, most ecosystems have been comprehensively “domesticated”. They have been optimized for few ecosystem services that provide major economic benefit to humans, yet concurrently causing unforeseen changes in other ecosystem attributes. Thus, it is a key challenge in science and management to determine the extent to which the negative trade-offs of domestication can be avoided by changing the way ecosystems are managed. To have accurate data, as they will be provided through BioFresh, is the fundamental basis for the sustainable conservation of biodiversity.
3 Why is the BioFresh project important?
Most people are not aware about the disproportionately high biodiversity of freshwaters, the multiple ecosystem services that they provide, and that rivers, lakes, wetlands and ground waters are amongst the most threatened ecosystems globally.
BioFresh will provide an open data platform for scientists, policy makers and the public. We collect widely dispersed information and make it publically available. This information is expected to help setting priorities for biodiversity conservation and ecosystem management.
Unfortunately, the present discussion on the nexus between water, energy and food ignores freshwaters as ecosystems and the role of water as a medium for life. However, we urgently need to establish synergies among the different users of water, including the ecosystem. If there is competition amongst different users, it is always the ecosystem that loses.
4 Tell us about a memorable experience in your career
I have worked across 4 continents, gaining and understanding different perspectives and valuations of freshwaters. For example, I worked for 8 months in Central Africa in Rwanda where I experienced completely different ecosystem types as well as a very challenging way of how to do research. We sampled on boats made of a tree trunk, and we worked in areas where no one did river research so far. Due to the high erosion rates of fertile land the transparency of the rivers was often less than 2 cm. In Rwanda, the future of this country lies virtually in its rivers. Fertile land is constantly washed downstream because of a high demographic pressure and the overexploitation of the limited land resources.
Overall, it is the critical role of freshwaters for both humans and nature which stimulated me doing research and in trying to support the development of sustainable solutions.
5 What inspired you to become a scientist?
It was a child dream to become an explorer, i.e. to explore the unknown spots of the world. Fortunately, I met fascinating, interesting people at school and at university who inspired me and who supported me in following unconventional ideas rather than searching for a safe path.
6 What are your plans and ambitions for your future scientific work?
I am still dreaming to make an expedition to the very last wild spots on earth – to go to the Congo Basin or to Sothern Sudan – or to establish a biological field station on the banks of the Rufiji River, Tanzania.
A fascinating domain for future research, in particular for BioFresh, would be to get citizens stimulated enough to provide data for the portal and information that would then be available to the wider community. It would not only provide more data, but would involve the public in the generation of information and in the support of science.
4th BioFresh newsletter | Annual meeting in Oxford
The BioFresh annual meeting is held this week at Merton College, Oxford. Partners from across BioFresh will meet to discuss the form and future of the project.
The 4th BioFresh newsletter has been published ahead of the meeting, featuring recent news, publications and ongoing research. You can read it through Issuu above. We’ll be keeping you up to date with the details of the meeting through this week.
“Water Lives…”: new BioFresh animation
“Water Lives…” is a new science communication animation designed to draw attention to the important (yet largely invisible) biodiversity which underpins and sustains our freshwater ecosystems. Produced by Rob St.John and Paul Jepson at the Oxford University School of Geography and the Environment for BioFresh the animation brings artists and scientists together to collaborate and communicate the concept that freshwater is more than an inert resource: instead a living, dynamic system inhabited by beautiful, important organisms largely unseen by the naked eye. “Water Lives…” invites viewers to engage with their freshwater environments, perhaps value them in new ways and engage with how they should be managed.
“Water Lives…” is a new science communication animation designed to draw attention to the important (yet largely invisible) biodiversity which underpins and sustains our freshwater ecosystems. Produced by Rob St.John and Paul Jepson at the School of Geography and the Environment for BioFresh the animation brings artists and scientists together to collaborate and communicate the concept the idea that freshwater is more than an inert resource: instead a living, dynamic system inhabited by beautiful, important organisms largely unseen by the naked eye. “Water Lives…” invites viewers to engage with their freshwater environments, perhaps value them in new ways and engage with how they should be managed.
The curious and otherworldly physical form of freshwater organisms such as diatoms provides abundant artistic inspiration. “Water Lives…” is a conceptual and cutting edge work, emphasising unusual natural forms in a six minute piece animated by Scottish artist Adam Proctor. It is sound-tracked by a specially composed piece of music by Tommy Perman from Scottish, BAFTA award winning arts collective FOUND which samples a series of haiku about freshwater ecosystems written by acclaimed environmental poet John Barlow. The content of both the animation and haiku was influenced by close consultation with BioFresh freshwater scientists Rick Battarbee from University College London and Ana Filipa Filipe from the University of Barcelona, alongside Alistair Seddon from the University of Oxford Zoology department.
This novel, cross-disciplinary team have produced a nuanced, multi-layered piece that not only contains sound, robust scientific information but that is beautiful, engaging and playful. It is a work that can be viewed entirely on its artistic merits, from which the viewer could take away a range of different information – from something as simple as “Freshwaters are more interesting than I thought” to something as intricate as “How can policy makers manage this complex entanglement of life?” – and a whole spectrum in between.
“Water Lives…” invites viewers to value the importance and beauty of freshwater ecosystems and engage with how they should be managed. It also suggests the productive possibilities opened up by collaborations between scientists and creative artists for the communication of environmental science and policy. As this work shows, such art-science collaborations have the potential open up new, creative spaces for how we contemplate, value and plan to manage our environment.
International Day of Action for Rivers
Kayaks on the Tâmega River. Image: International Day of Action for Rivers
Today is the International Day of Action for Rivers, a global event to celebrate our freshwater ecosystems and campaign for their conservation. Born out of the first International Meeting of People Affected by Dams in Brazil in March 1997, and organised by the International Rivers NGO, the day has become global , with public events ranging from festivals, press conferences, kayaking events, river clean-ups, protests, religious gatherings and campaign launches. The intention of BioFresh communication work through this blog, Cabinet of Freshwater Curiosities, twitter and animations is to encourage the wider public and policy makers to better value and conserve our freshwater ecosystems, so such public shows of support for freshwater conservation should be applauded.
Here’s a more detailed description of the day by the organisers:
“March 14 is the International Day of Action For Rivers and Against Dams. Every year, thousands of people around the world lift their voices to celebrate the world’s rivers and those who struggle to protect them. The International Day of Action For Rivers is a day to celebrate victories such as dam removal and river restoration. It is a day to take to the streets, demonstrate and demand improvements in the policies and practices of decision makers. It is a day to educate one another about the threats facing our rivers, and learn about better water and energy solutions. Above all, it is a day to unite – by acting together, we demonstrate that these issues are not merely local, but global in scope. What will you do for your river on March 14?“
You can find out more details here
“What is Water?” TED and WWF on a ‘solvable crisis’
The above video, a TED presentation by Stuart Orr, Manager of Global Freshwater Programme at WWF, touches on one of the key questions we often ask within the communication team at BioFresh: what is water and how should we manage it?
The question appears to be self-evident: water is a fluid made up of molecules of bonded hydrogen and oxygen as H2O (plus all sorts of other chemical and biological molecules…). But is water simply a resource for humans to channel, dam, filter and bottle as a resource? As we wrote in a recent article for Public Service Review, it seems that the value of water as a hybrid, fluid medium for life is often forgotten when we think about how to value and manage our freshwater ecosystems.
Stuart Orr presents a series of interesting suggestions for how we might sustainably manage our freshwater ecosystems – pointing towards stronger policy and more co-operative, integrative management. This is a topic we’ll be revisiting over coming months, and we’d value hearing your thoughts.
The Freshwater Blog 