Alps freshwater, Europe

Abstract

The "water tower" of Europe, the Alps provide immense quantities of freshwater both for humans and biodiversity. However, already impaired and not well conserved by protected areas, water courses are being additionally stressed by climate change. Conservation efforts to address climate change have important international vision and directives, but more attention must be paid to freshwater in this multijurisdictional context. Finding strategies that acheive sustainable water use for whole riverine systems, integrate biodiversity needs into adaptation discussions for human health and energy, restore aquatic ecosystem functionality, and strengthen cross-boundary coordination must be a priority.