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Social-ecological Drivers of Watershed Modification and their Influence on Mangrove Protection and Restoration Efforts
Abstract:
<p>There is a possible policy mismatch in global climate governance, calling for mangrove conservation on one hand and increased hydropower development on the other. Mangrove forests provide a variety of ecosystem services that can mitigate and help adapt to climate change. Meanwhile, dams are being promoted as a source of renewable energy and increased water resources among growing demands. Yet, upstream dams can change water quality, quantity, and sedimentation affecting coastal zones with mangroves. Thus, it is imperative to consider upstream activities to advance long-term sustainable management of mangroves and sustainable climate mitigation. Research pertaining to effects of dams on mangroves mainly focuses on water/sediment fluxes and coastal morphology changes, and less on the loss of habitat connectivity and ecosystem functions. To that end, this study, using Mexico as a case study, asks: 1. What social-ecological factors influence spatial and temporal coverage of mangrove forests in Mexico?; 2. How are competing climate change mitigation strategies understood and reconciled in the context of coastal watershed governance? Through spatial analysis, preliminary results reveal 18 watersheds where dams could be affecting the ecological integrity of mangrove forests. Surveys targeting these watersheds aim to understand whether upstream-downstream interactions are being taken into consideration in decision-making over dam operations and mangrove protection and restoration efforts. Conclusions will advance discussions about the tradeoffs between climate change mitigation measures and adaptive management of watersheds.</p>
Keywords: connectivity, freshwater fluxes, climate governance, integrated river basin management
Authors:
Monica A Pech, School of Earth and Sustainability, NAU; Submitting Author / Primary Presenter
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Social-ecological Drivers of Watershed Modification and their Influence on Mangrove Protection and Restoration Efforts
Category
In-Person Paper Abstract