A team of researchers propose measures for the recovery of rivers and their banks

Researchers from the Polytechnic University of Valencia (UPV) are developing at the Campus de Gandia different strands of work relating to conservation of water of rivers and riparian habitats, and to recover their natural and cultural values. Among these researchers are Garofano Virginia Gomez and Francisco Martinez Capel, both members of the Research Institute for Integrated Coastal Zone Management of the UPV (IGIC), based at the Campus de Gandia and Felix French, the Institute of Management Water and Environment of the UPV (IIAMA).

Several of the measures proposed in their projects for the conservation of riparian habitats, a nature area in decline but with a high value for biodiversity, cultural values, and its beneficial effects on water quality.

According to Professor Martinez said Capel, “these ecosystems now face a severe degradation, but the European Water Framework Directive, and moved to our water law reflects the need to consider the riverside forests in water management and studies we develop are in this line “. Moreover, these laws are based on is much more profitable to keep and protect the rivers that restores a posteriori.

Among the measures they propose is the recovery of an environmental flow regime, which reproduces the natural patterns of small spring flood. This will allow a proper flow of water in times of reproduction and growth of riparian flora, without risking human consumption, since that time should coincide with a natural increase in rainfall, and is not necessary consider every year, but preferably the rainiest.

To determine which flows are more appropriate, these researchers have conducted studies with fish and invertebrates. Currently working for the MARM (Ministry of Environment and Rural and Marine), linking the main species of shore with the flow regime. From this and other studies, a new software developed in international collaboration (project RIPFLOW), which would help a more ecological management of water in River Basin, taking into account the impact of their actions on the riverbank.

To reach the definition of measures, the research group has conducted field studies in different Spanish rivers, among which is the Serpis and other rivers in the Valencian Community. Work Serpis River, partially funded by the CEIC Alfons el Vell de Gandia, was captured in a book by the CEIC, which will be presented next on 10 November at 20h, in the Casa de Cultura Marques de Quiros (Gandia ).

Source:

SINC

Polytechnic University of Valencia