Freshwater ecosystem services supporting humans
Freshwater provisions supporting downstream populations under water security threat states (Source: Green et al., 2015)
WHY ARE ECOSYSTEMS IMPORTANT FOR FRESHWATER?
This study represented a first global-scale functional framework to assess opportunities for blending nature-based solutions with traditional engineering infrastructure, to secure and safeguard freshwater provisions for downstream populations. The analysis maps the state of threatened freshwater resources and spatially defines the level of service these resources convey to downstream users throughout the world. The framework provides a critical tool for prioritizing national investments to better manage valuable water resources at their source areas.
As lead author of this publication, I designed the research, coordinating co-authors and team members, performed the underlying geospatial analysis, and provided primary writing and manuscript organization. This work was expanded in a subsequent publication to explore the role of protected areas in providing freshwater ecosystem services to downstream populations.
CONTRIBUTIONS
- Developed research concept, design and workflow execution.
- Developed Freshwater Provision Index global indicator mapping source freshwater supporting downstream populations.
- Quantified populations living downstream of upstream freshwater provisions under water security threat.
- Authored and executed ArcGIS code including robust spatial analysis, spatial statistics, and managing complex global datasets.
- Coordinated co-authors and team members in manuscript development.
- Providing primary writing, manuscript organization, and submission.
- Designed and developed project website.
PRODUCTS
Project Webpage:
Freshwater Ecosystem Services Supporting Humans
Publications:
Green, P.A., Vörösmarty, C.J., Harrison, I., Farrell, T., Saenz, L., Fekete, B.M. (2015). Freshwater Ecosystem Services Supporting Humans: Pivoting from Water Crisis to Water Solutions. Global Environmental Change. Volume 34, September 2015, p108-118.
I. J. Harrison, P. A. Green, T. A. Farrell, D. Juffe-Bignoli, L. Saenz And C. J. Vörösmarty (2016). Protected areas and freshwater provisioning: a global assessment of freshwater provision, threats and management strategies to support human water security. Aquatic Conserv: Mar. Freshw. Ecosyst. 26 (Suppl. 1). DOI: 10.1002/aqc.2652.