Stewardship and management of freshwater ecosystems: From Leopold's land ethic to a freshwater ethic

In 1949, Aldo Leopold formalized the concept of ‘land ethic’, in what emerged as a foundational and transformational way thinking about natural resource management, biodiversity conservation, stewardship terrestrial systems. Yet, land ethic has inherent linkages to aquatic ecosystems; himself conducted research on rivers lakes, freshwater ecosystems figured widely his writing. We reflect other aspects Leopold's scholarship identify key messages that provide insight into management around globe. also frame we call ‘freshwater ethic’ legacy. Although could not have envisaged stressors affecting modern ecosystems, core principles remain salient. These apply only ecosystem protection, but ethics conservation economics, sustainability, protection capital, which rivers, wetlands now figure prominently. ‘Aldo-inspired’ recommendations for protecting restoring Anthropocene emanate directly from writings (e.g. adopt an approach, win–win–win scenarios, recognize irreplaceability wild waters, strive optimism). epoch where links between people nature are becoming more explicit environmental policy, governance, suggest work illustrates how inspirational, seminal thinkers offered leadership this domain. contend today there is still much can be learned Leopold, especially by next generation practitioners, ensure effective our ecosystems. submit adoption parallel with will enhance world's increasingly threatened fresh waters raising profile plight identifying enduring actions that, if embraced, help conserve restore biodiversity.