Work

Groundwater-dependent ponds as a nature-based solution for enhancing climate resilience in Mediterranean agroecosystems

Year: 2025

Type: conference-paper

Abstract: Mediterranean Agro-silvo-pastoral Ecosystems (MAEs) are increasingly affected by droughts, heatwaves, wildfires, water scarcity, soil degradation, and biodiversity loss. The DRYAD project tackles these challenges by demonstrating climate-resilient Nature-based Solutions (NbS) tailored to MAEs. One NbS focuses on implementing groundwater-dependent ponds (GDPs) to ensure continuous water availability. The methodology includes identifying optimal GDP locations using artificial intelligence and assessing excavation depth, size, and sustainability through integrated hydrological modeling. Because pond installation requires fencing to maintain water quality, an automated off-pond LoRaWAN-based livestock watering system is proposed. To minimize evaporation losses, solar shading and windbreak structures are also recommended. The installation of artificial GDPs will benefit stakeholders in the demonstration areas of Alentejo (Portugal) and Sardón (Castilla y León, Spain) by providing reliable, clean water sources for livestock and enhancing the resilience of MAEs to climate-related stressors.

Source: University of Twente Research Information

Authors: Samper, Javier, Lubczynski, Maciek, Pisani, Bruno, Lado, Marcos, Francés, Alain P., Daoud, M.G.M.; id_orcid 0000-0001-5112-1708, Paz-González, Antonio

Language: English

Topic: Agroforestry and silvopastoral systems

Subfield: Forestry

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

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

Open Access status: green

Funders: European Commission, HORIZON EUROPE Framework Programme

Award: DEMONSTRATION AND MODELLING OF NBS TO ENHANCE THE RESILIENCE OF MEDITERRANEAN AGRO-SILVO-PASTORAL ECOSYSTEMS AND LANDSCAPES (DRYAD)

OpenAlex ID: W7135576980

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