Preface

The biosphere is an intricate net of carefully mixed life forms. Complex interactions of many macro and microscopic species of plants and animals, together with the rich arrays of symbiotic fungi and lichens, are the base of every ecosystem, from forests to coral reefs and freshwater to soils. All ecosystems are not only sources of rich biodiversity, but also extremely productive areas, offering a lot of benefits to mankind. A recent survey results showed that wetlands bring an estimated profit of trillions of dollars to mankind every year. Ecosystems, such as sea-grasses, tidal marshes and tropical forests are exceptionally important in removing CO2 from the atmosphere, maintaining the water quality, and much more. Consequently, their progressive decline may accelerate the climate change, influencing flora and fauna composition and distribution and resulting in the loss of productivity.

Many ecological studies, environmental evaluations and monitoring have been conducted in the last decades, highlighting the current condition in which our planet is and focusing on future perspectives, and for this reason a lot of management strategies have been developed to try to solve the conservation problems.

*Ecosystems Biodiversity* presents comprehensive overviews and original studies focused on biological diversity and conservation of various ecosystems. This volume contains 19 chapters written by international experts, presenting thorough research results and critical reviews of the most relevant aspects and most ecologically interesting areas of the Earth. The book includes topics like preservation studies, hazards and conservation management, assessment of environmental variables affecting species diversity, richness and distribution; and also some consideration of the agroecosystems biodiversity and it's effects on the quality of human lifestyle.

#### **Oscar Grillo**

Stazione Sperimentale di Granicoltura per la Sicilia Caltagirone Biodiversity Conservation Centre, University of Cagliari, Italy

**Gianfranco Venora**  Stazione Sperimentale di Granicoltura per la Sicilia, Caltagirone Italy

**1** 

**Biodiversity and Conservation** 

Wetlands are sites of high biodiversity and productivity (Mitsch & Gosselink, 2000). They provide essential services, such as maintenance of atmosphere composition, key habitats for migratory species, and important nursery areas (Basset & Abbiati, 2004), but these ecosystems have suffered a serious decline worldwide due to human influence (Shine & Klemm, 1999; Solimini et al., 2008; Stenert & Maltchik, 2007). Declining water quality, drainage, eutrophication and catchment disturbances such as development, loss of natural vegetation and poor agricultural practices are changing the fundamental ecology of shallow lakes in much of the world (Drake et al., 2011). Different management strategies have been developed to solve these conservation problems, for instance the Europeans Natura 2000

Among these aquatic systems, coastal wetlands have been subject to massive environmental degradation and habitat destruction worldwide (Goudie, 1990). For example, more than 50% of the original area of coastal wetlands that existed in 1900 has been lost in most countries of Western Europe (Jones & Hughes, 1993). However, not until very recently have they become the focus of conservation interest per se (Abbiati & Basset, 2001; Barnes, 1999) with the declaration of Special Areas of Conservation as a consequence of their listing as a priority habitat type (1150\*) on Annex I of the European Union Habitats Directive (Council Directive

Coastal lagoons constitute a common coastal environment, occupying 13% of coastal areas worldwide (Kjerfve, 1994). The conservation of these habitats depends largely on the assessment of their natural characteristics, especially biodiversity, which is one of the main criteria used when elaborating wetland protection policies (Ramsar Convention Bureau, 2005). To assess the conservation status of wetlands correctly it is necessary to include studies of the invertebrate fauna. In this sense, the composition and abundance of benthic invertebrates is one of the most important criteria to be considered. Within this group of organisms are insects, especially Coleoptera and Hemiptera, which are two of the most common groups in these environments and also two of the most important groups in the

The purpose of this chapter is to study the importance of the invertebrate fauna in the conservation of coastal lagoons and to assess the effectiveness of protecting areas on the conservation of their biological values. The questions are: "Is the Natura 2000 network

**1. Introduction** 

92/43/EEC).

freshwater food chain.

network and Water Framework Directive (WFD).

 **of Coastal Lagoons** 

and Cesar João Benetti

*University of Vigo*

*Spain*

Josefina Garrido, Amaia Pérez-Bilbao
