There was something different in the air throughout the Freshwater Mollusc Assessment Workshop held from 17–21 November 2025. For five days, the room buzzed with the tapping of keyboards, discussions that stretched beyond coffee breaks, and minds focused on one shared mission: bringing attention to freshwater molluscs species that are often overlooked, yet crucial to the health of our rivers and lakes.
The workshop began with a clear target: 176 species to be assessed for the IUCN Red List. But as the days unfolded, interest grew, momentum built, and the list expanded to 199 species. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, participants met the challenge with enthusiasm and dedication.
By the final day, one number echoed as a collective achievement: 192 species successfully assessed.
This was more than just a statistic, it was the result of collaboration, long hours, expertise, and passion shared by malacologists, GIS specialists, conservation practitioners, and IUCN facilitators.
Day 1 — Building the Foundation
The workshop opened with a full day of capacity building—an essential first step to ensure all participants shared the same scientific and technical grounding. The IUCN facilitators introduced the IUCN Red List framework, explained core concepts such as criteria, thresholds, and categories, and presented the work of the IUCN Mollusc Specialist Group.
For many participants, especially early-career researchers, Day 1 became a meaningful orientation: What does “Critically Endangered” truly mean? How do we determine Data Deficient? Why does taxonomy matter so much?
This shared understanding prepared everyone for the intense assessment days ahead.
Day 2 — The Assessment Work Begins
On Day 2, teams began diving into their assessments. They pored over distribution maps, analyzed decades-old literature, examined specimen photos, and debated criteria. By the end of the day, more than 50 species had already been assessed—some categorized as Data Deficient, others facing serious threats such as habitat loss, pollution, or overexploitation.
Daily Journal Day 2 — Download PDF
Day 3 — A Two-Hour Field Trip That Sparked Big Discoveries
Day 3 started with cool morning air in the Bogor Botanical Gardens. The field trip lasted only two hours, from 8 to 10 AM. But those two hours made a difference. Participants found five freshwater mollusc species, including the notable Pila celebensis, reminding everyone that even in a city landscape, nature still holds surprises.
Back at the hotel, the assessment momentum continued. By the end of the day, the teams had collectively completed 105 species—an incredible milestone achieved in just two days of full assessment.
Daily Journal Day 3 — Download PDF
Day 4 — Targets Completed, But the Passion Kept Growing
Day 4 was filled with stories, breakthroughs, and even small celebrations. Several teams not only met but exceeded their assessment targets. Some species raised important discussions, such as Robertsiella gismanni and R. silvicola, both confirmed as intermediate hosts of Schistosoma malayensis—a reminder that mollusc conservation also intersects with human health.
From Sulawesi to Papua to Peninsular Malaysia, species after species revealed unique challenges: invasive fishes, sedimentation, mining, agricultural runoff, habitat modification, and lack of recent field surveys. Day 4 gave the workshop a panoramic view of the conservation issues faced across Sundaland’s freshwater ecosystems.
Daily Journal Day 4 — Download PDF
Day 5 — “We Did It!” A Beautiful and Meaningful Finish
The room felt different on Day 5—equal parts tired and grateful. Yet the spirit to keep working was still high. When the final numbers were counted, the workshop achieved something extraordinary:
✔ 192 freshwater mollusc species assessed
(19 CR · 28 EN · 17 VU · 21 NT · 68 LC · 41 DD)
One of the day’s highlights was Filopaludina tricostata from Papua (DD)—a species with very limited data that represents the many overlooked organisms needing further research.
The final day also featured a warm sharing session. Teams reflected on their experiences—what surprised them, what challenged them, and what inspired them. Some shared touching messages about how this workshop deepened their appreciation for freshwater life.
That evening, a Gala Dinner brought everyone together outside the hotel—laughter, photos, stories, good food, and the satisfaction of shared success.
A representative from the Directorate of Species and Genetic Conservation, Ministry of Forestry, delivered closing remarks, expressing deep appreciation for the workshop’s outcomes and affirming the Ministry’s support for future assessment efforts.
Daily Journal Day 5 — Download PDF
Looking Ahead: When Science Meets Collaboration
Every species assessed represents a step toward better conservation planning. Every Data Deficient species is a call for more research. Every threat identified is a reminder of our responsibility.
This workshop has ended. But the work to safeguard freshwater molluscs has only just begun.