Living Rivers

Abstract

This chapter explores the biodiversity within Asian Highland river systems. These river systems are among the world’s highest and longest and are one of three regions with the greatest diversity of freshwater biota (as indicated by fish species). The biota they support and the ecosystem services they provide are nonetheless experiencing profound and rapid change, with so far inadequate conservation responses. This chapter describes these processes and the impact of anthropogenic activities on the rivers’ health. It suggests that the construction of dams on the river is creating a cascade of impacts that will particularly affect the freshwater species whose lifecycles are tied to specific river flows and those living along the rivers. Solutions to these issues will require multiple, substantial, coordinated, and nuanced responses. The main text of this chapter is followed by two boxed sidebars. The first defines wetlands, which host the most intense biodiversity within the river catchments. The second describes lu, a class of supernatural beings whom many Highland residents believe live in wetlands and other wet places.