Nature conservation and sustainable management of biodiversity

A brief introduction to the scientific field of biodiversity is given. Its value easily is underestimated. Reasons, general and economic ones, are discussed to save biodiversity. Therefore it should play a more important role in the future also in the field of water resources management. The outstanding species- and population richness of aquatic ecosystems especially of Central Asia, harbouring a wealth of endemic species, is characterized. Lakes and rivers are not only a source of water for direct human use or a means to transport and clean wastewater. They have to be considered equally as the fundament for outstanding floras, faunas and habitats that affect indirectly human welfare and economy. Aquatic biodiversity in Central Asia is endangered mainly by pollution, by loss of water by unsuitable irrigation projects and by direct or inadvertent transports of organisms across watersheds. This results in biological invasions, endangering endemic faunas and floras. There are strategies to reconcile most of the traditional ways of use of water bodies and waterbeds (e. g. for industries, navigation, and irrigation) with the necessity to conserve water-related plant and animal life. This compatibility is examined. Proposals for advanced, integrated concepts of water management are made. They are determined to ensure conservation and continued sustainable use of biodiversity as a natural source for future economy and welfare.