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| Titel |
A freshwater biodiversity hotspot under pressure – assessing threats and identifying conservation needs for ancient Lake Ohrid |
| VerfasserIn |
G. Kostoski, C. Albrecht, S. Trajanovski, T. Wilke |
| Medientyp |
Artikel
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| Sprache |
Englisch
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| ISSN |
1726-4170
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| Digitales Dokument |
URL |
| Erschienen |
In: Biogeosciences ; 7, no. 12 ; Nr. 7, no. 12 (2010-12-17), S.3999-4015 |
| Datensatznummer |
250005105
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| Publikation (Nr.) |
 copernicus.org/bg-7-3999-2010.pdf |
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| Zusammenfassung |
Immediate conservation measures for world-wide freshwater resources are of
eminent importance. This is particularly true for so-called ancient lakes.
While these lakes are famous for being evolutionary theatres, often
displaying an extraordinarily high degree of biodiversity and endemism, in
many cases these biota are also experiencing extreme anthropogenic impact.
Lake Ohrid, a major European biodiversity hotspot situated in a
trans-frontier setting on the Balkans, is a prime example for a lake with a
magnitude of narrow range endemic taxa that are under increasing
anthropogenic pressure. Unfortunately, evidence for a "creeping
biodiversity crisis" has accumulated over the last decades, and major
socio-political changes have gone along with human-mediated environmental
changes.
Based on field surveys, monitoring data, published records, and expert
interviews, we aimed to (1) assess threats to Lake Ohrids' (endemic)
biodiversity, (2) summarize existing conservation activities and strategies,
and (3) outline future conservation needs for Lake Ohrid. We compiled threats
to both specific taxa (and in cases to particular species) as well as to the
lake ecosystems itself. Major conservation concerns identified for Lake
Ohrid are: (1) watershed impacts, (2) agriculture and forestry, (3) tourism and
population growth, (4) non-indigenous species, (5) habitat alteration or loss,
(6) unsustainable exploitation of fisheries, and (7) global climate
change.
Among the major (well-known) threats with high impact are nutrient input
(particularly of phosphorus), habitat conversion and silt load. Other
threats are potentially of high impact but less well known. Such threats
include pollution with hazardous substances (from sources such as mines,
former industries, agriculture) or climate change. We review and discuss
institutional responsibilities, environmental monitoring and ecosystem
management, existing parks and reserves, biodiversity and species measures,
international conservation activities, and ongoing research on conservation
and raising of public awareness. Following this summary, we evaluate the
status quo and future of Lake Ohrid and its biota. A comprehensive
conservation strategy should include measures that result in an immediate
reduction of nutrient input, particularly with phosphorus, in order to slow
down the ongoing eutrophication process. The existing watershed management
should become more effective. Implementation and particularly with a view to
the enforcement of national laws should be enhanced. Increased research on
the lakes' limnology, biodiversity, and conservation management practices
are necessary. The latter research should identify conservation priorities.
Public awareness should be enhanced. Facing these parallel needs to protect
the unique biodiversity of Lake Ohrid, we suggest urging (a) implementation
and enforcement of the General Management Plan that would ensure long-term
integrated and sustainable use of the lake and its watershed, (b) scientific
studies on ecology, biodiversity and effects of human impact, (c) the
establishment of Core Conservation areas (CCA), including underwater
reserves, and (d) Coastal Zone Management (CZM) areas that would constitute
buffer zones for the CCAs around the lake. Given the number of identified
threats, it is clear that only concerted international action can stop or at
least slow down further degradation of Lake Ohrid and the creeping
biodiversity crisis already evident. All conservation activities should,
among others, ultimately lead to a trans-boundary major conservation area of
the Ohrid-Prespa region that would allow long-term integration of both
humans and nature. |
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