Hierarchical priority setting for restoration in a watershed in NE Spain, based on assessments of soil erosion and ecosystem services

31 páginas[EN] Maintaining and enhancing ecosystem services through the restoration of degraded ecosystems have become an important biodiversity conservation strategy. Deciding where to restore ecosystems for the attainment of multiple services is a key issue for future planning, management, and human well-being. Most restoration projects usually entail a small number of actions in a local area and do not consider the potential benefits of planning restoration at broad regional scales. We developed a hierarchical priority setting approach to evaluate the performance of restoration measures in a semiarid basin in NE Spain (the Martín River Basin, 2,112 km2). Our analysis utilized a combination of erosion (a key driver of degradation in this Mediterranean region) and six spatially explicit ecosystem services data layers (five of these maps plotted surrogates for soil retention and accumulation, water supply and regulation, and carbon storage, and one plotted a cultural service, ecotourism). Hierarchical maps were generated using a geographic information system that combined areas important for providing a bundle of ecosystem services, as state variables, with erosion maps, as the disturbance or regulatory variable. This was performed for multiple scales, thereby identifying the most adequate scale of analysis and establishing a spatial hierarchy of restoration actions based on the combination of the evaluation of erosion rates and the provision of ecosystem services. Our approach provides managers with a straightforward method for determining the spatial distribution of values for a set of ecosystem services in relation to ecological degradation thresholds and for allocating efforts and resources for restoration projects in complex landscapes.This work was funded by Endesa S.A. through the collaborative agreement Endesa-CSIC for scientific research. The first author wants to thank Belinda Reyers for the fruitful conversation and helpfulness showed in every moment and two anonymous referees for their constructive suggestions. M. Trabucchi was in receipt of grant from JAE-DOC Program for Advanced Study financed by the European Social Fund (ESF), Ref. I3P-BPD-2006.Peer reviewe

Hydrologic and landscape changes in the Middle Ebro River (NE Spain): implications for restoration and management

The changes of landscape (1927–2003), discharge regime and anthropic activities with the river-floodplain of one reach at the Middle Ebro River (NE Spain) were investigated with the objective to identify the factors that best explain the natural ecotope succession and propose a realistic restoration option with consideration of the landscape dynamics during the last century and the socio-economic context. Our results indicate that hydrological and landscape patterns have been dramatically changed during the last century as a consequence of human alteration of the fluvial dynamics within the studied reach. The magnitude and variability of river discharge events have decreased at the end of the last century, and flood protection structures have disrupted the river floodplain connectivity. As a result, the succesional pathways of riparian ecotopes have been heavily modified because natural rejuvenation no longer takes place, resulting in decreased landscape diversity. It is apparent from these data that floodplain restoration must be incorporated as a significant factor into river management plans if a more natural functioning wants to be retrieved. The ecotope structure and dynamics of the 1927–1957 period should be adopted as the guiding image, whereas current hydrologic and landscape (dykes, raised surfaces) patterns should be considered. Under the current socio-economic context, the more realistic option seems to create a dynamic river corridor reallocating dykes and lowering floodplain heights. The extent of this river corridor should adapt to the restored flow regime, although periodic economic investments could be an option if the desired self-sustained dynamism is not reached

Hydrologic and landscape changes in the Middle Ebro River (NE Spain): Implications for restoration and management

The changes of landscape (1927–2003), discharge regime and anthropic activities with the river-floodplain of one reach at the Middle Ebro River (NE Spain) were investigated with the objective to identify the factors that best explain the natural ecotope succession and propose a realistic restoration option with consideration of the landscape dynamics during the last century and the socio-economic context. Our results indicate that hydrological and landscape patterns have been dramatically changed during the last century as a consequence of human alteration of the fluvial dynamics within the studied reach. The magnitude and variability of river discharge events have decreased at the end of the last century, and flood protection structures have disrupted the river floodplain connectivity. As a result, the succesional pathways of riparian ecotopes have been heavily modified because natural rejuvenation no longer takes place, resulting in decreased landscape diversity. It is apparent from these data that floodplain restoration must be incorporated as a significant factor into river management plans if a more natural functioning wants to be retrieved. The ecotope structure and dynamics of the 1927–1957 period should be adopted as the guiding image, whereas current hydrologic and landscape (dykes, raised surfaces) patterns should be considered. Under the current socio-economic context, the more realistic option seems to create a dynamic river corridor reallocating dykes and lowering floodplain heights. The extent of this river corridor should adapt to the restored flow regime, although periodic economic investments could be an option if the desired self-sustained dynamism is not reached.The research was funded by the Department of the Environmental Science, Technology and University –Aragon government (Research group E-61 on Ecological Restoration)- and MEC (CGL2005-07059). The Spanish Research Council (CSIC) granted Alvaro Cabezas through the I3P program (I3P-EPD2003-2), which was financed by European Social Funds (UE).Peer reviewe

Cuidados familiares prestados por los ancianos del ámbito rural a distintas generaciones

Objectives: To describe the profile of caregivers higher in rural areas, to analyze sociodemographic differences in health and social relations between family caregivers and non-caregivers, and service needs unmet. Methodology: We surveyed 787 people over 64 noninstitutionalized belonging to the Basic Health Area of Zaragoza. Variables were collected through the questionnaire OARS-MAFQ (OARS): sociodemographic, need for services, assessment of social, economic and physical health. Other variables were: functional capacity for activities of daily living, basic and instrumental, body mass index and physical activity undertaken. Results: All caregivers of children/grandchildren were independent for activities of daily living, performed more physically active, had good physical and so perceived. Noncaregivers had the highest proportion of dependence and depression. The three groups had good social and economic resources, although significantly higher in those who care for children/grandchildren in which needs were perceived as more public transport and travel more. Non-caregivers reported more need for help with bathing, dressing, household chores and meal preparation. Caregivers of spouses/parents needed more treatment to personal or family problems. There was a great need for nursing care in the three groups. Conclusions: The profile, characteristics and needs of caregiver and no-caregiver were different, coinciding only in high need for nursing care

Constructed wetlands increase the taxonomic and functional diversity of a degraded floodplain

Numerous wetland restoration projects have been implemented in recent years to mitigate the increasing loss of global wetland surface area caused by human activities. Most of these projects have focused on the local recovery of habitats and species diversity, with little evaluation of functional recovery. We aimed at demonstrating that constructing wetlands on a degraded floodplain increases not only the taxonomic, but also the functional diversity of macroinvertebrate assemblages by providing greater water quality to the local fauna. We studied the macroinvertebrate community using taxonomic and functional diversity indices, and the physicochemical characteristics of three wetlands constructed 5–25 years ago, and three relict natural wetlands on the floodplain of a regulated river (Ebro River, NE Spain). Constructed wetlands demonstrated significantly greater taxonomic abundance and richness of macroinvertebrates than natural wetlands. At the functional level, the richness and Shannon diversity of biological traits relating to reproduction, respiration, dispersal and feeding were also greater in constructed wetlands, which is partly explained by low inorganic nitrogen concentration in these habitats. In contrast, a high content of phosphorus and water organic matter led to the lowest values of taxonomic and functional diversity found in natural wetlands. We conclude that it is essential to consider not only taxonomic but also functional aspects at all stages of a restoration project in order to optimize its long-term efficacy to provide and support key species and functions.Peer reviewe

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Mapping erosion risk at the basin scale in a Mediterranean environment with opencast coal mines to target restoration actions

34 páginas, 9 figurasRiver basin restoration and management is crucial for assuring the continued delivery of ecosystem services and for limiting potential hazards. Human activity, whether directly or indirectly, can induce erosion processes and drastically change the landscape and alter vital ecological functions. Mapping erosion risk before future restoration-management projects will help to reveal the priority areas and develop a hierarchy ordered according to need. For this purpose, we used the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) erosion model. We also applied a novel technique called GPVI (Genetic Programming Vegetation Index) in the Martín River basin in NE Spain (2,112 km2), which has a large coalfield located in the southern part of the basin. Approximately two-thirds (69%) of the area of the Martín basin presents low and medium soil loss rates, and one-third (31%) of the area presents high (18%), very high (10%), and irreversible (3%) erosion rates. The southern part of the basin is the most degraded and is strongly influenced by the topography. This work allows us to locate areas prone to erosional degradation processes to help create a buffer around the river and locate “spots” in need of restoration. We also checked the error estimation of the methodology because our soil maps do not include rock and bare rock areas. The usefulness of applying RUSLE for predicting degraded areas and the consequent directing of soil conservation–restoration actions at the basin scale is demonstrated. We highly recommend a field survey of the selected areas to prove the goodness of the model estimations.This work is part of the research and assistance agreement between Endesa S.A. and CSICPyrenean Institute of Ecology (IPE-CSIC). Funding for this study was provided by Endesa S.A. A special acknowledge is given to Endesa Centro Minero Andorra (Teruel). Thanks are given to, J. M. Garcia Ruiz, S. Begueria, E. Nadal, E. Moran-Tejera, and J.J. Jimenez for reviewing and general advises during the development of this work, M. P. Errea, J. Zabalza, L. C. Alatorre for assistance with GIS analysis, M. Angulo for R factor map, M. Pazos with statistical analysis, and F. Reverberi for laboratory work. M. Trabucchi was in receipt of grant from JAE-CSIC (Ref. I3P-BPD-2006).Peer reviewe

Disability, support and long-term social care of an elderly Spanish population, 2008-2009: An epidemiologic analysis

Background: Though poorly known, relationships between disability, need of help (dependency) and use of social services are crucial aspects of public health. The objective of this study was to describe the links between disability, officially assessed dependency, and social service use by an industrial population, and identify areas of inequity. Methods: We took advantage of a door-to-door survey conducted in the Cinco Villas district, Spain, in 2008-2009, which provided data on disability, morbidity, and service use among 1216 residents aged =50 years, and officially assessed dependency under the 2006 Dependency Act (OAD). Using logistic regression, we combined data collected at homes/residences on 625 disability screened-positive participants, and administrative information on degree of OAD and benefits at date of visit. Results: Based on 163 disabled persons, the prevalence of residential/community-care users was 13.4% overall, with 6.0% being market-provided, 2.5% supported by the 2006 Act, and 4.9% supported by other public funds. Of 111 OAD applicants, 30 had been assigned an OAD degree; in 29 cases this was the highest OAD degree, with 12 receiving direct support for residential care and 17 receiving home care. Compared to unassessed dependency, the highest OAD degree was linked to residential care (OR and 95% CI) 12.13 (3.86-38.16), declared non-professional care 10.99 (1.28-94.53), and publicly-funded, non-professional care 26.30 (3.36-205.88). In contrast, 43 persons, 58% of the severely/extremely disabled, community-dwelling sample population, 81% of whom were homebound, including 10 persons with OAD but no implemented service plan, made no use of any service, and of these, 40% lacked a non-professional carer. Conclusions: Formal service use in the Cinco Villas district attained ratios observed for established welfare systems but the publicly-funded proportion was lower. The 2006 Act had a modest, albeit significant, impact on support for non-professional carers and residential care, coexisting with a high prevalence of non-use of social services by severely disabled persons

Conceptos básicos de mecánica en biomecánica

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