Abstract

Ecosystems of inland saline waters play a significant role in the biosphere and human life. Various articles of this Special Issue are devoted to a wide range of issues of their study and management. This introductory article gives a general overview of the types of inland waters on the planet, as well as the features of their ecosystems, reflected in 18 articles of this Special Issue. Attention is also paid to modern problems of conservation and integrated sustainable use of aquatic ecosystems in a changing climate and increasing anthropogenic pressure on water bodies.