Wise water management in Mediterranean marshes
: Using a water volume simulator "Mar-O-Sel", in the context of the ecosystem-based management aimed at keeping marshes healthy by following natural cycles as much as possible in order to ensure their resilience while enabling shared and sustainable use of resources. Mar-O-Sel is an Open Internet Access interface tool designed to promote sustainable water management by multiple users of Mediterranean marshes. This simulator calculates the volumes of water needed to reach a desired water level during the different months of the year, based on past, present, and future climatic conditions. The tool also allows users to visualise the
impact of different water management approaches on the evolution of groundwater and surface water salinity, as well as the growth of emerging and submerged vegetation in marshes. Consultation among stakeholders to determine water levels in marshes for productive activities is a complex but essential operation, which enables stakeholders to share the same territory and ensure that their activities are
compatible. When marsh stakeholders use a water volume simulator, such as Mar-O-Sel, they can agree on a variety of activities while protecting water and ecosystems. (Tour du Valat, 2020).
: France
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: 2018
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: No Data
: Ongoing
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: Yes
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: Tour du Valat
: 43.411219
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: 3.586750
Improved water quality
Yes, proactive and adaptive management actions contribute to the sustainable management of the water cycle and improved water quality of Mediterranean marshes (Tour du Valat, 2020).
Biodiversity conservation or increased biodiversity
There are the following benefits for biodiversity: conservation of the Mediterranean wetlands, and in particular, the remarkable flora and fauna, while adapting to the natural summer dry-out; support of the carrying capacity for nesting birds (Reed Passerines, (Eurasian) Bittern, Purple Heron, Mallards); ensuring the supply of water for fresh water or brackish ecosystems. (Tour du Valat, 2020).
Ecosystem restoration and/or improved ecological connectivity
Yes, the project is based on proactive and adaptive water management to maintain their functions and services. (Tour du Valat, 2020).
Increased quality and quantity of green and blue infrastructures
Yes
Improved aesthetic value
Yes
Increased social interaction and inclusion
Yes, Mediterranean marshes serve as a place for recreation and ecotourism (Tour du Valat, 2020).
Provision of health benefits
Yes, by applying of wise water management as regards the supply of water, taking into consideration natural ecological cycles so that human activities such as reed-cutting, hunting, grazing, and fishing remain sustainable and people have access to high-quality water. (Tour du Valat, 2020).
Ecosystem degradation
The increasing artificialisation of soils and containment of wetlands make them more and more likely to be disconnected from the natural water network. Additional water is often required to preserve biodiversity and maintain the uses associated with these environments. (Tour du Valat, 2020).
Clean water and sanitation (SDG6)
Yes
Climate action, resilience, mitigation and adaptation (SDG13)
Yes, appropriate hydrological management could help preserve the existing temporary marshes in the context of climate change. This simulation tool estimates the volumes of water that exist and will be needed to maintain biodiversity and the various uses of Mediterranean wetlands. Enhancing biodiversity makes it possible to capture and store greenhouse gases (in the form of biomass), thereby limiting the effects of climate change. (Tour du Valat, 2020).
Aquatic biodiversity (SDG14)
Yes
Terrestrial biodiversity (SDG15)
Yes
: Tour du Valat. 2020. Wise water management in Mediterranean marshes. Information obtained: 2020-11-17. Available at: https://tourduvalat.org/en/newsletter-articles/nature-based-solutions/.