Protect and restore freshwater ecosystems and biodiversity

We are aware of the importance of freshwater ecosystems and the value of services they provide. The rich biodiversity it inhabits represents a key element in its sustainability an existence. Therefor, restoring the natural freshwater ecosystems is interlinked with its biota. Human factors and introduction of non-indigenous and potentially invasive species represents a serious threat to these fascinating ecosystems, disrupting nutrient cycle and energy flow, promoting direct competition and predation, leading to displacement of indigenous organisms and loss of biodiversity. Humans are a key vector of these changes, unleashing the third wave of species extinction on the planet. Involving humans as main actors under the focus can bring new data on the knowledge, attitudes and more, that could explain this phenomenon of human behavior. Furthermore, derived remarks on the obtained data can provide valuable notes on the management and conservation in terms of improving knowledge, flagship species promotion and more, to shape the new human - non-human interactions and achieve behavioral change in the population that could lead to active engagement of the public in freshwater ecosystems protection, restoration and management. Addressing this actions to younger individuals could lead to permanent positive associations towards pro-environmental attitudes that prevail through life. These investments in younger individuals create a solid foundation for future generations and their relationship with the nature.