Freshwater key biodiversity areas in the Mediterranean basin hotspot

Book excerpt: While the Mediterranean basin biodiversity hotspot is well known for its globally important biodiversity, its freshwater biodiversity has not been as widely recognized for its importance. Through this project, freshwater key biodiversity areas (KBAs) have now been identified, mapped and validated throughout much of the Mediterranean hotspot. It is now important to raise awareness of their status as validated freshwater KBAs and to develop plans for appropriate conservation actions at these sites, as this biodiversity is highly threatened largely due to the conflicting demands upon a diminishing supply of fresh water which is further exacerbated by the increased severity of drought across the region.