100 key questions to guide hydropeaking research and policy

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 187, P. 113729 - 113729

Published: Sept. 16, 2023

As the share of renewable energy grows worldwide, flexible production from peak-operating hydropower and phenomenon hydropeaking have received increasing attention. In this study, we collected open research questions 220 experts in river science, practice, policy across globe using an online survey available six languages related to hydropeaking. We used a systematic method determining expert consensus (Delphi method) identify 100 high-priority following thematic fields: (a) hydrology, (b) physico-chemical properties water, (c) morphology sediment dynamics, (d) ecology biology, (e) socio-economic topics, (f) markets, (g) regulation, (h) management mitigation measures. The list shall inform guide researchers focusing their efforts foster better science-policy interface, thereby improving sustainability variety settings. find that there is already strong understanding ecological impact efficient techniques support sustainable hydropower. Yet, disconnect remains its implementation.

Language: Английский

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Use of trait concepts and terminology in freshwater ecology: Historic, current, and future perspectives

Freshwater Biology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 69(4), P. 477 - 495

Published: Feb. 12, 2024

Abstract Trait‐based approaches have received increasing interest among freshwater scientists given their capacity to predict community structure and biodiversity effects on ecosystem functioning. However, the inconsistent development use of trait concepts terms across scientific disciplines may limited realisation potential traits. Here, we reviewed definitions provide recommendations for consistent application in science. To do so, first literature identify established definitions, historical current challenges restricting trait‐based Next, surveyed 414 researchers from 54 countries assess variability terminology relation respondent characteristics (i.e., professional experience, geographical region, research discipline, focal ecosystem, biotic group, function). Our review identified two well‐established which emphasise individual phenotypic that influence either eco‐evolutionary aspects organism performance fitness) or dynamics processes responses environment and/or functioning). Publications used a range trait‐related frequency varied fields. The term functional dominated fields such as conservation, environmental sciences ecology, plant microbiology. In contrast, biological , species were with similar frequencies entomology, fisheries, marine biology, zoology. We also found are difficult apply unicellular organisms, colonial multicellular genomic information, cultural survey revealed highly researchers. Terms including structural measure function commonly describe same traits functions. Variability was generally explained by group propose making concept flexible enough be applicable all biota characteristics, while keeping integrating links aspects. Specifically, our new definition expands considering supra‐individual scales measurement (colonial‐ community‐mean traits), genotypic (e.g., gene markers enzymes) feeding behaviours, communication skills). reduce terminological ambiguity, recommend define terms, prioritising an overarching over alternative ), specific morphological ) situations precision is desirable. findings integrative study could help improve consistency better recognise elucidate mechanisms behind ecological patterns.

Language: Английский

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Mapping endemic freshwater fish richness to identify high‐priority areas for conservation: An ecoregion approach

Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 14(2)

Published: Feb. 1, 2024

Freshwater ecosystems are experiencing accelerating global biodiversity loss. Thus, knowing where these unique ecosystems' species richness reaches a peak can facilitate their conservation planning. By hosting more than 290 freshwater fishes, Iran is major fish hotspot in the Middle East. Considering rate of loss, there an urgent need to identify species-rich areas and understand mechanisms driving distribution. In this study, we gathered distribution records all endemic fishes (85 species) develop map determine most critical drivers patterns from ecoregion approach. We performed generalized linear model (GLM) with quasi-Poisson contemporary historical determinants richness. also quantified similarity among 15 ecoregions Iran. Results showed that highest Zagros Mountains while moderate level was observed between Alborz Mountains. High, moderate, low match Upper Tigris & Euphrates, Namak, Kavir Lut Deserts respectively. Kura - South Caspian Drainages Highlands were similar Orumiyeh according presence. Precipitation precipitation change velocity since Last Glacial Maximum important predictors Areas identified have high priority for Iran, therefore, should be considered future protected development.

Language: Английский

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Nature-based solutions for water resource management in Africa's arid and sem-arid lands (ASALs): A systematic review of existing interventions

Nature-Based Solutions, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 6, P. 100172 - 100172

Published: Aug. 25, 2024

Language: Английский

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A freshwater perspective on the United Nations decade for ecosystem restoration

Conservation Science and Practice, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 4(11)

Published: Aug. 12, 2022

Abstract Globally, ecosystems have suffered from anthropogenic stressors as we enter the sixth mass extinction within Anthropocene. In response, UN has declared 2020–2030 Decade for Ecosystem Restoration, aiming to mitigate ecosystem degradation and biodiversity loss. Freshwater are disproportionately impacted relative marine or terrestrial systems ecological restoration is needed preserve services. Paradoxically, freshwater among Earth's most vital Here identify meaningful considerations a perspective that will lead progression toward of ecosystems: work across boundaries during restoration, emulate nature, think act on watershed scale, design environmental heterogeneity, threats alongside bright spots, long term (a decade not enough), embrace social–ecological thinking. Further, reflect upon three implementation pathways identified by translate these into practice in hopes “bending curve” ecosystems. Pathway 1, building global movement, could create network share experiences knowledge promoting vicarious learning, ultimately leading more effective restoration. 2, generating political support, be necessary institutionalize protection demonstrating value biodiversity. 3, technical capacity, aims improve current often ineffective toolbox incorporating evidence syntheses (i.e., appraisal base) Indigenous ways knowing two eyed seeing). Given dire need repair, it our hope contribute an actionable productive Restoration.

Language: Английский

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