From roaring rivers to seasonal springs, freshwater is essential to life on Earth. Yet these ecosystems — and the species within them — tend to be overlooked, receiving only a fraction of the attention and funding dedicated to nature conservation.

As we look ahead to the conservation issues shaping 2023, Conservation News sat down with Conservation International freshwater scientists Derek Vollmer and Ian Harrison to discuss what this year has in store for freshwater conservation — and how they are working to address it.

What’s on your radar in 2023?

Derek Vollmer: This year, we’re expecting a spotlight on freshwater issues.…