Work

Spatial indices and indicators to facilitate catchment planning with multiple objectives

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Catchment areas are natural delineations to plan for multiple land- and water-related objectives, such as improvement of water quality, mitigation of climate change, and halting biodiversity loss. However, there is a lack of practical tools that facilitate management, conservation, and restoration of land and water ecosystems in the catchment areas. To address this need, we have developed a novel geospatial index-based approach to show how to prioritize sub-catchments that need to be targeted in catchment planning. Furthermore, we have piloted and validated the approach in two catchments in Finland. The approach is composed of (1) calculation of four indices that utilize existing geospatial data related to water quality management, climate change mitigation, climate change adaptation, and biodiversity conservation, and (2) validation of the indices and more detailed indicator maps in landowner interviews and a stakeholder workshop. The results show that different sub-catchments have been ranked among the top for each of the four indices. This suggests a need for balancing between different environmental targets if a limited number of sub-catchments is selected for more detailed assessments of management measures. In the validation step, the approach is widely regarded as important and timely, which highlights the need for methods that allow spatial prioritization and allocation of potential environmental measures. Prioritization is needed because resources are often insufficient, and for the sake of cost-effectiveness, it is important that the selection of sites is based on objective criteria rather than solely on landowners' initiative.

Source: Environmental Development

DOI: 10.1016/j.envdev.2025.101379

Authors: Aleksi Räsänen, Ville Turunen, Miika Kajanus, Teija Rantala, Maarit Satomaa, Mika Marttunen

Institutions: University of Oulu, Finnish Environment Institute, Savonia University of Applied Sciences

Language: English

Topic: Integrated Water Resources Management

Subfield: Water Science and Technology

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Life on land, Clean water and sanitation, Climate action

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,540