IUCN Biodiversity Assessment and Knowledge Team (BAKT) – Freshwater Unit

The Biodiversity Assessment and Knowledge Team (BAKT) – Freshwater Unit of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is working to inform and promote the conservation of freshwater species through providing robust and comprehensive data about their conservation status and the most important sites for these species.

At A Glance

The Biodiversity Assessment and Knowledge Team (BAKT) – Freshwater Unit of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is working to inform and promote the conservation of freshwater species through providing robust and comprehensive data about their conservation status and the most important sites for these species.

Hidden beneath the surface, freshwater species are often overlooked. The lack of data on their population trends, habitats and the threats to their survival has meant that the impact of human development on these species has rarely been considered. The result has been a staggering decline in their populations, WWF (2016) calculate an 81 per cent decline in the abundance of freshwater species between 1970 and 2014, whilst 29 per cent of freshwater fish are threatened with extinction.

The BAKT is comprised of some of the most knowledgeable and dedicated freshwater scientists worldwide and their work is, quite literally, putting freshwater species on the map.  The IUCN is a leading provider of biodiversity knowledge to guide action on the ground, to convene conservation planning, and develop advocacy tools.

Synchronicity Earth has supported the BAKT since 2013. Our funding is giving a vital boost to the team’s work, enabling new and innovative projects to gain traction. It is also ensuring that information and fundraising products can be developed and that freshwater biodiversity conservation agendas can be raised at international conferences and events.