Student project: Nature-based solutions in drying river networks

Over 50% of the global river network includes drying channels, and this share is dramatically increasing worldwide associated with climate change and increased human water use.

The shifts from permanent to intermittent flow regimes often come with irreversible environmental and societal consequences (including massive fish deaths and impaired water quality).

In this project, we attempt to explore the potential for implementation of restoration measures including nature-based solutions (NBSs) within drying river networks, with a focus on measures that can remedy and/or reverse the drying of local ecosystems.

The student will get involved in designing a survey and collecting information about water managers’ acceptance level of each existing NBS measure. In addition, the student will carry out a literature review of the effectiveness of NBS measures and their requirements on landscape attributes (e.g. riparian slope, upstream wing area).

Location

Department of Aquatic Ecology (NIOO-KNAW) from January 2023 for a period of 6 months (specific dates are flexible).

Skills to be gained

Students will get familiarised with ecosystem restoration measures in drying river networks, and specifically develop specific skills on survey designation and systematic literature review.

Requirements

Background in hydrology, landscape ecology, environmental sciences. The working language will be English.

Supervisors

Qing Zhan (NIOO-KNAW); Lisette De Senerpont Domis (NIOO-KNAW).