PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Freshwater systems are under threat by a variety of stressors (organic and inorganic pollution, cover change, water abstraction, land use, etc…). The join occurrence of many stressors (chemical, geomorphologic, biological) under water scarcity may produce novel and unfamiliar synergies and effects of unknown consequences. Therefore, it is crucial to understand deeply how water scarcity interacts with other stressors in freshwaters and to convey this information to managers, stakeholders and policymakers in order to minimise impacts, to adapt to oncoming changes, and to improve our management and policies.

GLOBAQUA (Managing the effects of multiple stressors on aquatic ecosystems under water scarcity) has assembled a multidisciplinary consortium in order to study the interaction of multiple stressors within the frame of strong pressure on water resources.

GLOBAQUA assesses the effects of water scarcity on aquatic ecosystems by focusing on six river basins (Adige, Anglian, Ebro, Evrotas, Sava and Souss Massa). These basins encompass a rich set of socio-ecological conditions and a wide geographic coverage, and focus on a specific set of stressors to illustrate different management scenarios.

The project started in February 2014 and will continue until January 2019.