1. Towards adaptation to climate change: water for rice in the coastal wetlands of Doñana, Southern Spain
- Author
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Luis Garrote, Berta Sánchez, Ana Iglesias, and Iván López
- Subjects
010504 meteorology & atmospheric sciences ,0208 environmental biotechnology ,Biodiversity ,Climate change ,Context (language use) ,Wetland ,02 engineering and technology ,01 natural sciences ,Ecosystem services ,Economía ,media_common.cataloged_instance ,European union ,0105 earth and related environmental sciences ,Water Science and Technology ,Civil and Structural Engineering ,media_common ,2. Zero hunger ,geography ,geography.geographical_feature_category ,business.industry ,Agricultura ,Environmental resource management ,15. Life on land ,6. Clean water ,020801 environmental engineering ,Flood control ,Medio Ambiente ,13. Climate action ,Agriculture ,Water resource management ,business - Abstract
Rice production in coastal wetlands provides critical ecosystem services that range from flood control to wildlife habitat. In the Iberian Peninsula rice was introduced in the 10th Century. Today Iberian rice accounts for about one quarter of the total rice production of the European Union, almost exclusively cultivated in the coastal wetlands of Spain, with permanent flooding. The intensive water management required to produce rice stands at a crucial point since freshwater supply is deteriorating at an unprecedented rate. Here we explore flexible adaptation options to climate change in the Donana wetlands - a world heritage and biodiversity site - from two points of view: What are the policy options for agricultural water management in view of climate change? How can informed stakeholders contribute to better adaptation? The first question is addressed by simulating water availability to farmers with the WAAPA model under a range of adaptation policy options derived from the view of the local communities. The second question was addressed by means of participatory research. Adaptation options are framed according to the local environmental, social and policy context. Results suggest that perception on the potential role of new water infrastructure and farming subsidies dominates the view of local communities. The choices of the stakeholders that could be simulated with the hydrological model, were quantified in terms of additional water availability for the rice farming, therefore providing a quantitative measure to the qualitative solutions. Information provided during the study shaped the final adaptation options developed. Our research contributes to the definition of sustainable rice production in Europe. more...
- Published
- 2015