reshwater habitats are under great pressure in northern Africa, due to the increasing water demands for agriculture, industrial development and drinking. This is clearly reflected in the high proportion of freshwater species under threat.
Furthermore, northern African freshwater biodiversity displays a high concentration of distinctive species, especially of molluscs and aquatic plants, which cannot be found in any other place of the world. However, this valuable natural patrimony is at high risk, as one fifth (21%) of its freshwater species is facing serious risks of extinction highlighting the responsibility of northern African countries to develop and implement conservation actions for these irreplaceable species.