Context matters: An insider’s view on freshwater ecosystem research in Latin America

Abstract

Freshwater science has grown and evolved extensively since its inception in the late 1800s. Many of the models and conceptual frameworks developed for and used in freshwater research were originally proposed by researchers in the Global North to explain patterns and processes in temperate streams. This view of freshwater ecosystems has extended to research in Latin America, potentially limiting our ability to understand unique ecological and socioeconomic attributes of the watersheds found in our region. Recently, there has been an increase in freshwater research being conducted by Latin American scientists, who may be able to apply and validate more suitable models and conceptual frameworks given their personal experiences and insights about local realities. In this BRIDGES cluster, we feature the work of early career Latin American researchers who are addressing environmental concerns pertinent to the region through research that challenges some of the ideas developed for river networks in the Global North.