Shedding light on the complex relationship between forest restoration and water services

Sammanfattning

Although native vegetation is a determinant of aquatic ecosystems' maintenance, forest restoration has been linked to decreases in water yields worldwide. Here, we clarify linkages between forest restoration and water services and identify gaps in the literature critical for evaluating the benefits of forest restoration on water yields. Also, we discuss possible strategies to improve forest restoration planning and implementation. We argue that the apparent disconnect between estimates in the literature and real-world observation reflects the limitation of studies, methods, and approaches in capturing forest and water relationships' complex nature. Future research should focus on hydrologic parameters other than annual streamflow flow (such as infiltration, groundwater recharge, and flow regulation) and encompass broader spatial-temporal scales. More empirical studies are needed, especially in the tropics, as the forest-water dynamics in these areas are unique and poorly understood. Filling this gap is critical to improving the decision-making process related to water management and governance.

Nyckelord

forest restoration; restoration planning; water availability; water governance; water services

Publicerad i

Restoration Ecology
2023
Utgivare: WILEY

SLU författare

• Ellison, David

  • Institutionen för skoglig resurshushållning, Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet
    
  • Ellison Consulting
  • Universität Bern

Globala målen (SDG)

SDG6 Rent vatten och sanitet för alla
SDG15 Ekosystem och biologisk mångfald

UKÄ forskningsämne

Skogsvetenskap
Ekologi

Publikationens identifierare

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/rec.13890

Permanent länk till denna sida (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/121970