Acta Limnologica Brasiliensia
https://app.periodikos.com.br/journal/alb/article/doi/10.1590/S2179-975X3220
Acta Limnologica Brasiliensia
Thematic Section: Opinions about Aquatic Ecology in a Changing World

Freshwater ecosystems of Mainland Ecuador: diversity, issues and perspectives

Ecossistemas aquáticos do Equador Continental: diversidade, problemas e perspectivas

Jorge Emilio Celi; Francisco Villamarín

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Abstract

Abstract: : Ecuador is one of the smallest and most densely populated countries in South America. In spite of this, it is also one of the 17 megadiverse countries worldwide and home to the largest number of species per unit area. Most aquatic ecosystems in mainland Ecuador have historically faced strong environmental pressures because the country’s economy has been based on the exploitation and trade of raw materials and agricultural products at a very high environmental cost. In this review, we provide a broad overview of the diversity of freshwater ecosystems and fish in mainland Ecuador. We address broadly current and historical threats to these ecosystems, including pollution due to oil extraction, mining activities, agriculture and the disruption of hydrological connectivity caused by hydroelectric dams. Despite these problems, we show some examples of promising initiatives at the local and national levels to address this situation.

Keywords

freshwater diversity, environmental degradation, water policies, participatory management

Resumo

Resumo: : O Equador é um dos países de menor tamanho e o mais densamente povoado da América do Sul. Apesar disso, é também um dos 17 países megadiversos do mundo e abriga o maior número de espécies por unidade de área. A maioria dos ecossistemas aquáticos no Equador continental tem historicamente enfrentado fortes pressões ambientais devido ao fato de que a economia do país tem sido baseada na exploração e comercialização de matérias-primas e produtos agrícolas a um custo ambiental muito alto. No presente trabalho, apresentamos uma visão geral da diversidade de ecossistemas e peixes de água doce do Equador continental. Também, revisamos de maneira ampla as ameaças mais prementes a esses ecossistemas, incluindo a poluição devido à extração de petróleo, mineração e agricultura, e a crescente perturbação da conectividade hidrológica causada por represas hidrelétricas. Apesar dos graves problemas ambientais, fornecemos exemplos de iniciativas promissoras atualmente em andamento nos níveis local e nacional para reverter essa situação.
 

Palavras-chave

diversidade de água doce, degradação ambiental, políticas hídricas, gestão participativa

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Submetido em:
01/03/2019

Aceito em:
13/10/2020

Publicado em:
25/11/2020

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