2023 Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Conference

March 5-7, 2023 • Cincinnati, OH

5/24/2018 | 9:15 AM - 9:30 AM | MAKING THE CASE FOR CONSERVATION OF FREE-FLOWING RIVERS IN THE ANDEAN AMAZON | 430 B

MAKING THE CASE FOR CONSERVATION OF FREE-FLOWING RIVERS IN THE ANDEAN AMAZON

Andes-to-Amazon river connectivity is critical to numerous natural and human systems across the greater Amazon. Andean rivers contribute massive quantities of sediments to Amazonian lowlands, thereby controlling river meandering and floodplain dynamics far downstream. An estimated 671 freshwater fishes inhabit Andean Amazon rivers >500 meters, and numerous fish species migrate between Amazonian lowlands and the Andes. River connectivity also influences cultural traditions, indigenous cosmologies, and rhythms of life for the >30 million people that inhabit the Amazon Basin. Recent studies documented 142 dams existing or under construction and 160 proposed dams for the Andean Amazon. Existing dams have fragmented tributary networks of all Andean Amazon river basins, except for the Caquetá (Colombia) and Putumayo (Colombia/Peru) Basins. However, under the current scenario of existing dams, the mainstems of all major Andean Amazon river basins remain largely un-fragmented by dams. Here, we make the case for conservation of free-flowing rivers in the Andean Amazon, especially in light of potential hydropower expansion. We examine specific examples of how natural and human systems depend on river connectivity and highlight recent experiences (Colombia, Costa Rica) to recognize rivers as important conservation objects.

Connectivity
Dams
Tropical Rivers

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Presenters/Authors

Elizabeth P Anderson (), Florida International University, epanders@fiu.edu;