The Critical Role of Freshwater in the Conservation of Migratory Waterbirds
Flying Lesser Flamingos and Great White Pelicans, Nakuru National Park, Kenya © Canva.com
New UNEP & UN-Water Reports Signal Urgent Need for Action for Successful Species Preservation
Bonn, 15 November 2024 - The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and UN-Water recently released a series of reports that highlight the urgent need to restore and protect our planet’s freshwater systems. The reports are part of a triennial update on global freshwater quality and management and track the progress towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal #6: Ensure access to water and sanitation for all.
Findings from Mid-term Status on SDG 6 Indicators: 6.3.2, 6.5.1, & 6.6.1 (2024) reveal alarming levels of degradation across rivers, lakes, and aquifers worldwide. This degradation is not only a concern for human needs, but it also has severe consequences for migratory species, particularly waterbirds which depend on these critical ecosystems.
“Migratory waterbirds not only benefit from these aquatic ecosystems but are themselves an integral part of it and serve crucial roles in maintaining biodiversity. Their presence is needed for nutrient cycling, maintaining habitat structure, and to ensure ecological balance. Plus, these birds contribute to ecosystem services that human communities rely on, including water purification and habitat creation,” said Jacques Trouvilliez, Executive Secretary of the African-Eurasian Waterbird Agreement (AEWA).
Migratory waterbirds often serve as indicators of environmental health. Changes in their populations and distributions can signify alterations in water quality and habitat availability, prompting early warnings about ecosystem degradation. At each Meeting of the Parties, the AEWA Secretariat publishes a voluminous report on the conservation status of the waterbird populations covered by the Agreement. Protecting these species is vital for sustaining both ecological integrity and the numerous functions that freshwater systems provide.
According to UNEP’s findings, freshwater ecosystems are in a state of crisis. The reports show that over 90 countries are experiencing the degradation of one or more freshwater ecosystems. Rivers are drying up, lakes are shrinking, and pollution is at alarming levels. The poorest countries lack the resources to monitor water quality effectively, meaning the extent of damage in many areas may be underreported. This trend poses a profound threat to many migratory waterbirds that use the African-Eurasian Flyway, especially across Africa and Central Asia.
“Freshwater systems serve as crucial habitats for migratory waterbirds all along their migration routes. Wetlands, rivers, and lakes provide essential food, shelter, and breeding grounds. Through their feeding habits, they help control insect populations and facilitate seed dispersal, promoting plant diversity. However, as rivers lose their flow and water bodies continue to shrink, the resources these waterbirds rely upon are disappearing,” explained Trouvilliez.
Mangroves and Shorebirds in the Lamu area, Indian Ocean Coast of Kenya © GRID-Arendal
The loss of freshwater ecosystems affects not only the waterbirds but also the biodiversity and ecological balance within regions. Mangroves, in particular, have declined significantly and these unique ecosystems act as natural filters and carbon sinks, benefiting waterbirds and contributing to climate resilience. Without them, waterbird populations face further pressure from habitat loss and increased pollution in coastal areas.
The UNEP reports emphasize a critical gap in water quality monitoring. The lack of data in many countries, particularly in the poorest regions, hinders informed management and response strategies. Without adequate data on water quality, countries cannot take effective measures to protect these ecosystems from drought, pollution, and harmful runoff from agricultural activities.
UNEP’s call for expanded government-funded monitoring programs, integration of citizen science, and increased use of satellite data provides a pathway to close this data gap. For migratory waterbirds, such monitoring would allow for quicker responses to the environmental pressures that threaten their survival.
As UNEP and UN-Water emphasize, achieving sustainable water management is not possible without international collaboration, financial investment, and a deep commitment to protecting ecosystems. For AEWA and other Multilateral Environment Agreements, this is an urgent call to advocate for policies that safeguard migratory waterbirds and other species dependent on freshwater habitats. However, policies enacted toward sustainable water management must be backed by practical action and sufficient resources.
“Freshwater is a lifeline for migratory waterbirds. As these new UNEP reports illustrate, protecting our water ecosystems is essential for the survival of these species. The conservation of migratory waterbirds requires a global response to freshwater degradation, particularly along key migratory routes. Countries must consider policies and initiatives that protect and restore these critical habitats - for waterbirds, biodiversity, but also for future generations,” said Trouvilliez.
Last updated on 18 November 2024