The report highlights the particular vulnerabilities of freshwater species in northern Africa and defines the socio-economic value of aquatic species threatened by extinction.
It offers recommendations for reducing freshwater species decline, including: involving local communities; encouraging sustainable exploitation; and integrating ecosystem value into planning processes.
10 September 2012: A report from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) finds that 28% of aquatic species in northern Africa face extinction, higher than elsewhere in Africa. This includes fishes, molluscs, crabs, dragon and damselflies, as well as aquatic plants. Coordinated by the IUCN Centre for Mediterranean Cooperation (IUCN Med), the report also demonstrates the socio-economic benefits provided by the species, and notes the especially rapid loss of wetland ecosystem species.
The report, titled “Assessment of the Socio-Economic Value of Freshwater Species for the Northern African Region,” includes an introduction to freshwater ecosystems and the situation in northern Africa, outlines the study methodology, and examines the socio-economic value of freshwater fish and aquatic plants. It concludes with recommendations for reducing freshwater species decline, including: involving local communities; encouraging sustainable exploitation; and integrating ecosystem value into planning processes. [IUCN Press Release] [Publication: Assessment of the Socio-Economic Value of Freshwater Species for the Northern African Region]