Co-benefits of river and floodplain integrity: Exploring Aquatic-Terrestrial Linkages on an intercontinental scale

• Applicant: Dr. Christian Schürings
• Subject Area: Hydrogeology, Hydrology, Limnology, Urban Water Management, Water Chemistry, Integrated Water Resources Management ; Ecology and Biodiversity of Animals and Ecosystems, Organismic Interactions
• Term: since 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 552346637

Freshwater and floodplain ecosystems are among the most degraded ecosystems worldwide, suffering from a myriad of anthropogenic stressors including agriculture, urbanization, and deforestation. These pressures have led to a rapid decline in biodiversity and ecological integrity. Recognizing that global efforts to protect and restore these ecosystems have often fallen short—likely due to a focus on single ecosystem restoration and small scales of initiatives—this research seeks to explore and integrate the protection and restoration of both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems across continents. The research starts by synthesizing existing knowledge on river and floodplain restoration to determine how current practices integrate aquatic-terrestrial linkages. This foundational analysis paves the way for further empirical studies. The project will then assess the mutual benefits of restoration efforts by examining the health connections between aquatic macroinvertebrate communities and terrestrial bird populations. This will provide insights into the overall ecosystem integrity and the interactions between land and water habitats. To predict and simulate various restoration scenarios, the project will utilize advanced Bayesian Structural Equation Modeling techniques and high-resolution global datasets. This modeling will analyze the impact of river management changes on both aquatic and adjacent terrestrial habitats. Expected outcomes aim to render support for environmental policy and conservation strategies, aiding the implementation of major international environmental frameworks. The findings can provide evidence needed for the development of strategies for ecosystem restoration, contributing directly to enhancing global biodiversity and ecological resilience. These results will help guide future restoration efforts to ensure they effectively address the needs of both aquatic and terrestrial environments.

• DFG Programme: WBP Fellowship
• International Connection: USA
• Host: Dr. Julian Olden