Aquatic biodiversity and habitat management

The health of all life on Earth is inextricably interconnected to the diversity of life in its freshwater and marine environments. From food and natural resources to oxygen and carbon cycling, societies around the world are dependant on healthy and diverse aquatic systems. Yet, global aquatic biodiversity is increasingly threatened by largely man-made pressures such as over fishing, pollution, mismanaged water and natural resources, and even climate change. Thus, the effective and sustainable management of aquatic habitats has emerged as a priority for coastal communities, environmental and developmental organizations, and governments around the world. Recent management efforts have begun to frame policies and design programs around concepts such as eco-region protection, watershed management, and community development in an effort to incorporate a holistic view of the complex interactions of humans and aquatic systems in protecting aquatic biodiversity.

Case Studies

Sustainable tourism fuels Dominican economy La Romana-Bayahibe, Dominican Republic | March 24, 2004 Despite devastation wreaked by Hurricaine George in 1998, the Dominican tourism industry has grown dramatically over the past decade. USAID and its partners are helping Dominicans capitalize on this growth. Learn more

Why wetlands sustain livelihoods and the environment

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