Ecohydrological modelling to assist decision making for land- and water management: applications from The Netherlands

“Biodiversity in nature areas is severely declining on both global and European levels. Many species and ecosystems are threatened by climate change, desiccation due to lowering groundwater levels and high nitrogen deposition. The Natura 2000 Network, a European-wide network of nature conservation areas, has been created to preserve and restore biodiversity. Ecohydrological processes are a key factor in the conservation of vegetation in nature areas. The relative impact of hydrological measures on biodiversity and vulnerable species is poorly understood in these nature areas, especially when uncertainty associated with climate change is taken into account. This knowledge gap delays decision making for land and water management. This study demonstrates a ecohydrological modelling approach to quantify the impact of hydrological changes on vegetation.”

(Citation: Clevers, S., Aggenbach, C., Bartholomeus, R., and Nijp, J.: Ecohydrological modelling to assist decision making for land- and water management: applications from The Netherlands, EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-11298, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-11298, 2024)