Celebrating World Rivers Day

Rivers are the arteries of our planet. They not only provide fresh water but also serve as rich habitats for countless species and sustain the livelihoods of millions of people worldwide. 

Today, we shine a spotlight on Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) across the regions where rivers are featured. KBAs are globally significant sites for conservation – crucial places on our planet where unique species and ecosystems occur in important numbers or extent. Now, more than ever, there is great conservation value in in identifying these globally important sites:  

Header image: Mun River, Tha Tum Nam Mun KBA in Thailand © Supanut Arunoprayote

ASIA

Xe Bangfai River Cave System KBA – Laos  

The Xe Bang Fai River has carved one of the largest limestone cave systems in the world, including a 7km subterranean channel and passages up to 120m tall and 200m wide. It has curated a unique ecosystem and is also an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA), supporting birds such as the Lineated Barbet and Bay Woodpecker. 

Originating in the Annam Trung Sun Mountains on the border between Lao and Vietnam, the Xe Bang Fai River flows across the Nakhai Plateau towards the Mekong River. The cave system is found in a remote corner of Central Laos, but as the site becomes more popular with tourists, increased management and protection will be needed. 

AMERICAS

Abanico de Pastaza KBA – Peru  

The Abanico de Pastaza KBA is the largest Ramsar Site in the Peruvian Amazon, with more than 3.8 million ha of flooded forests, swamps, rivers, and lakes. The meandering rivers comprise unique aquatic ecosystems, with a mixture of clear water from the Andes and black water from the Amazon flooded forests. This KBA harbours three range restricted birds: White-masked Antbird, Mishana Tyrannulet, and Orange-crested Manakin. 

This region’s landscapes are rich in materials formed by the volcanic activity in Ecuador’s Andean valleys. As such, the exploitation of natural resources threatens the KBA, along with changes in land use and drilling for oil. Our Partner, Asociación Ecosistemas Andinos (ECOAN), works at the site, dedicated to the conservation of endangered species and threatened Andean ecosystems. 

EUROPE AND CENTRAL ASIA

Lower Rhine KBA – Germany  

In Germany, the Lower Rhine KBA is a section of the Rhine River that overlaps with the Wetland of International Importance and Ramsar Site, Unterer Niederrhein. The KBA is a crucial passage and wintering area for waterbirds, regularly holding 20,000 or more individuals in winter. It’s also a critical site for two bird species: Bean Goose and Greater White-fronted Goose.  

However, the intensification of agriculture and urbanisation threatens the landscape. Our Partner, Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union (NABU), works at the site and for the protection of biological diversity. To combat these threats, measures are needed to prevent the drying out of the area, against intensive agricultural use, and to return to conservation-friendly farming practices. 

AFRICA

Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve KBA  - Malawi  

Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve (NWR) KBA is the oldest and largest wildlife reserve in Malawi, dominated by miombo woodlands – vast areas of tropical grasslands, savannas and shrublands. Among more than 280 species of birds calling this site home, two are of global conservation concern: the Taita Falcon and Black Stork. 

The Bua River, the second largest in Malawi, cuts across from the west, entering Lake Malawi 18km after exiting the reserve. Within the reserve, the river flows approximately 35 km over the rift valley, where numerous rapids and deep pools exist throughout, ranging in width from 20m to over 200m. 

Sadly, massive land clearances above the reserve mean the riverbanks are becoming increasingly unstable. This reduces the size and richness of the habitats governed by the river. To increase conservation management, the Malawi government joined forces with African Parks to conserve the reserve. It has been fenced, law enforcement has increased, wildlife is recovering, and populations are growing through reintroductions. 

MIDDLE EAST

Wadi Mujib KBA – Jordan  

Within Jordan, the Wadi Mujib KBA is a mountainous, sparsely vegetated desert, with cliffs, gorges and deep wadis – low-lying riverbeds and valleys that contain water during periods of heavy rain – cutting through plateaus. At least nine raptors breed, including Short-toed Snake-eagle. There is a strong raptor migration in April, especially of Levant Sparrowhawk, Eurasian Buzzard, and Common Kestrel. Cretzschmar’s Bunting occurs on passage, and Woodlark is a winter visitor in small numbers.  

Spring-fed streams flow down to the shores of the Dead Sea. But the flow of water in Wadi Hidan, within the reserve, is potentially threatened by the planned damming of Wadi Wala, east of and outside the reserve. Our Partner, the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN), is the first and largest established NGO in Jordan, and they work at the site to protect biodiversity. 

PACIFIC

Adelaide and Mary River Floodplains – Australia  

The Adelaide and Mary River Floodplains in Australia’s Northern Territory are so rich in biodiversity, they form both a KBA and an IBA site. The unusual structure of the Mary River floodplain contributes to rapid overflowing of the riverbank and inundation of huge seasonal wetlands, even in years of relatively low rainfalls. Consequently, this IBA is a vital site for waterbird colonies and species, such as Vulnerable Sharp-tailed Sandpiper and Endangered Far Eastern Curlew. 

The Adelaide floodplain extends to The Narrows River mouth and Chambers Bay, dominated by sand/mudflats with mangrove or sand-dune coastlines. The Mary River Floodplain extends east, next to the Alligator Rivers IBA. Our Partner, BirdLife Australia, is at the heart of bird conservation in the country and works at this site.