| Title | Ecological flow in southern Europe: Status and trends in non-perennial rivers |
| Abstract | The concept of environmental flows (E-Flows) describes the streamflow that is necessary to maintain river ecosystems. Although a large number of methods have been developed, a delay was recorded in implementing E-Flows in non-perennial rivers. The general aim of the paper was to analyse the criticalities and the current state of implementation of the E-Flows in non-perennial rivers of southern Europe. The specific objectives were to analyse (i) the European Union (EU) and national legislation on E-Flows, and (ii) the methodologies currently adopted for setting E-Flows in non-perennial rivers in the EU Member States (MSs) of the Mediterranean Region (Spain, Greece, Italy, Portugal, France, Cyprus, and Malta). From the analysis of national legislations, it is possible to acknowledge a step forward toward regulatory unification at the European level, on the subject of EFlows and more generally toward the protection of aquatic ecosystems. The definition of E-Flows, for most countries, has abandoned the idea of a regime of constant and minimal flow, but it recognizes the importance of the biological, and chemical-physical aspects connected to it. From the analysis of the E-Flows implementation through the review of the case studies, one can surmise that in non-perennial rivers the E-Flows science is still an emerging discipline. The limited availability of hydrological, hydraulic, and biological data as well as the restricted economic resources allocated for managing non-perennial rivers are the main causes of the delay in the E-Flows implementation in MSs. The results of the present study may contribute in setting an E-Flow regime in non-perennial rivers. |
| Source | Journal of environmental management 342 |
| Keywords | Ecological flowNon -perennial riversMediterranean riversLegislationFlow regime |
| Journal | Journal of environmental management |
| Editor | Academic Press., New York, Regno Unito |
| Year | 2023 |
| Type | Articolo in rivista |
| DOI | 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.118097 |
| Authors | Leone, Marianna; Gentile, Francesco; Lo Porto, Antonio; Ricci, Giovanni Francesco; De Girolamo, Anna Maria |
| Text | 485118 2023 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.118097 ISI Web of Science WOS 001001856000001 Ecological flow Non perennial rivers Mediterranean rivers Legislation Flow regime Ecological flow in southern Europe Status and trends in non perennial rivers Leone, Marianna; Gentile, Francesco; Lo Porto, Antonio; Ricci, Giovanni Francesco; De Girolamo, Anna Maria CNR; Univ degli studi di Bari Aldo Moro; The concept of environmental flows E Flows describes the streamflow that is necessary to maintain river ecosystems. Although a large number of methods have been developed, a delay was recorded in implementing E Flows in non perennial rivers. The general aim of the paper was to analyse the criticalities and the current state of implementation of the E Flows in non perennial rivers of southern Europe. The specific objectives were to analyse i the European Union EU and national legislation on E Flows, and ii the methodologies currently adopted for setting E Flows in non perennial rivers in the EU Member States MSs of the Mediterranean Region Spain, Greece, Italy, Portugal, France, Cyprus, and Malta . From the analysis of national legislations, it is possible to acknowledge a step forward toward regulatory unification at the European level, on the subject of EFlows and more generally toward the protection of aquatic ecosystems. The definition of E Flows, for most countries, has abandoned the idea of a regime of constant and minimal flow, but it recognizes the importance of the biological, and chemical physical aspects connected to it. From the analysis of the E Flows implementation through the review of the case studies, one can surmise that in non perennial rivers the E Flows science is still an emerging discipline. The limited availability of hydrological, hydraulic, and biological data as well as the restricted economic resources allocated for managing non perennial rivers are the main causes of the delay in the E Flows implementation in MSs. The results of the present study may contribute in setting an E Flow regime in non perennial rivers. 342 Published version Articolo in rivista Academic Press. 0301 4797 Journal of environmental management Journal of environmental management J. environ. manag. mariannaleone LEONE MARIANNA antonio.loporto LO PORTO ANTONIO annamaria.degirolamo DE GIROLAMO ANNA MARIA |
