Alain Maasri, Sonja C. Jähnig, Mihai C. Adamescu, Rita Adrian, Claudio Baigun, Donald Baird, Angelica Batista-Morales, Núria Bonada, Lee Brown, Qinghua Cai

Global freshwater biodiversity is declining dramatically, and meeting the challenges of this crisis requires bold goals and the mobilization of substantial resources. While the reasons are varied, investments in both research and conservation of freshwater biodiversity lag far behind those in the terrestrial and marine realms. Inspired by a global consultation, we identify 15 pressing priority needs, grouped into five research areas, in an effort to support informed global freshwater biodiversity stewardship. The proposed agenda aims to advance freshwater biodiversity research globally as a critical step in improving coordinated action towards its sustainable management and conservation.