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Research article - Peer-reviewed, 2023

Shedding light on the complex relationship between forest restoration and water services

Dib, Viviane; Brancalion, Pedro H. S.; Chan Chou, Sin; Cooper, Miguel; Ellison, David; Farjalla, Vinicius F.; Filoso, Solange; Meli, Paula; Pires, Aliny P. F.; Rodriguez, Daniel A.; Iribarrem, Alvaro; Latawiec, Agnieszka Ewa; Scarano, Fabio R.; Vogl, Adrian L.; de Viveiros Grelle, Carlos Eduardo; Strassburg, Bernardo

Abstract

Although native vegetation is a determinant of aquatic ecosystems' maintenance, forest restoration has been linked to decreases in water yields worldwide. Here, we clarify linkages between forest restoration and water services and identify gaps in the literature critical for evaluating the benefits of forest restoration on water yields. Also, we discuss possible strategies to improve forest restoration planning and implementation. We argue that the apparent disconnect between estimates in the literature and real-world observation reflects the limitation of studies, methods, and approaches in capturing forest and water relationships' complex nature. Future research should focus on hydrologic parameters other than annual streamflow flow (such as infiltration, groundwater recharge, and flow regulation) and encompass broader spatial-temporal scales. More empirical studies are needed, especially in the tropics, as the forest-water dynamics in these areas are unique and poorly understood. Filling this gap is critical to improving the decision-making process related to water management and governance.

Keywords

forest restoration; restoration planning; water availability; water governance; water services

Published in

Restoration Ecology
2023,
Publisher: WILEY

    Sustainable Development Goals

    SDG6 Clean water and sanitation
    SDG15 Life on land

    UKÄ Subject classification

    Forest Science
    Ecology

    Publication identifier

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/rec.13890

    Permanent link to this page (URI)

    https://res.slu.se/id/publ/121970