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On a global scale, there is no single comprehensive source of information on the distribution of freshwater species and habitats. This essential information has not been compiled for many parts of the world, so local governments, conservationists, and affected communities have no available reference to describe the special features of their freshwater ecosystems. For this reason, our Conservation Science Program is undertaking a first-of-its kind global effort to delineate freshwater ecoregions.
Over the past five years, WWF-US has laid the foundation for a global freshwater map through its work with experts around the world. Currently we have delineated approximately 500 ecoregions, which are derived by aggregating and subdividing watersheds based on the distribution patterns of aquatic species. With watersheds as their foundation, the freshwater ecoregions can be effective units for conservation planning. The next steps are to assemble biodiversity and threat information for each ecoregion and to identify those ecoregions with globally outstanding features and those that remain most ecologically intact.
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