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SMIRES is a COST Action addressing the Science and Management of Intermittent Rivers & Ephemeral Streams (coord. T. Datry, INRAE, and G. Singer, University of Innsbruck; http://www.smires.eu). This COST Action had brought together scientists from various research field and stakeholders to develop a European multidisciplinary network for synthesising the fragmented and recent knowledge on temporary water courses, improving our understanding of Intermittent Rivers and Ephemeral Streams (IRES) and translating this into a science-based, sustainable management of river networks. The working group “Prevalence, distribution and trends of IRES” (WG1) has the central role to provide the physical basis of the SMIRES Action. One of the tasks of WG1 was to compile flow gauging data at the European scale. As part of this work, examples of intermittent rivers and ephemeral streams were collected across Europe, including gauged catchments with both natural and highly influenced river flow regimes. A total of 40 examples have been put together in this catalogue to provide an overview of the variety of IRES in Europe. The selected IRES are not meant to be representative of all intermittent water courses in Europe but rather highlight the variety in these water courses. Introductory pages describe the procedures used to create the catalogue including definitions of the statistical measures reported for the individual intermittent rivers and ephemeral streams, and provide an overview of the catalogued water courses. Information on the selected gauged intermittent rivers and ephemeral streams is summarised in a two-page document: The first standardized page describes the main characteristics of the catchments (land-use, geology, climate, etc.) and the river flow regime. Two panels display the hydrographs and flow durations curves, and a table gives metrics specific to river flow intermittence relevant for ecology. The second page is dedicated to the description and reasons for intermittence. A short description about the spatio-temporal pattern of zero-flow events. This section may describe the seasonal behaviour of the stream, observed long-term trends, locations with frequently observed zero-flow events along the river network, etc. The monitoring network, including gauging stations and other types of observations (e.g. visual inspection of the flow states at different locations along the river) in the catchment, are also described.

The aquifer system of Mexilhoeira Grande - Portimão (Algarve) located in coastal zone, is under the threat of saline intrusion. Iy was analyzed the evolution over the last 30 years of piezometric levels, water quality indicators, water balance, and land uses. It was concluded that the saline intrusion is confined to restricted areas and if this aquifer system is properly managed, can contribute to the implementation of new agricultural projects of great importance to the economy of Algarve., El sistema acuífero de Mexilhoeira Grande - Portimão (Algarve), ubicado en la zona costera, está bajo la amenaza de una intrusión salina. Se analizó la evolución en los últimos 30 años de los niveles piezométricos, de los indicadores de calidad del agua, del balance hídrico y de usos del suelo. Se concluyó que la intrusión salina se limita a zonas restringidas y si este sistema acuífero se gestiona adecuadamente, puede contribuir a la implementación de nuevos proyectos agrícolas de gran importancia para la economía del Algarve., Le système aquifère de Mexilhoeira Grande - Portimão (Algarve) situé dans la zone côtière, est sous la menace de l’intrusion saline. On a analysé l’évolution au cours des 30 dernières années de niveaux piézométriques, les indicateurs de qualité de l’eau, de l’équilibre de l’eau, et l’utilisation des sols. Il apparaît que l’intrusion saline est confinée aux zones restreintes et si ce système aquifère est correctement géré, il peut contribuer à la mise en oeuvre de nouveaux projets agricoles de grande importance pour l’économie de l’Algarve., Tal como outros aquíferos costeiros, o Sistema Aquífero da Mexilhoeira Grande - Portimão (Algarve), está sob a ameaça da intrusão salina. Analisou-se a evolução nos últimos 30 anos dos níveis piezométricos, do balanço hídrico, de alguns indicadores da qualidade da água e dos usos do solo. Conclui-se que a salinidade devida à intrusão salina e/ou à presença de diapiros está confinada a zonas restritas e que, desde que devidamente monitorizado, este aquífero pode contribuir para a implementação de novos projetos agrícolas importantes para a economia da região.

Esta investigação é um estudo de caso aplicado a duas associações agrícolas madeirenses, a Associação dos Agricultores da Madeira (AAM) e a Associação dos Jovens Agricultores da Madeira e Porto Santo (AJAMPS). O principal objetivo deste trabalho é compreender o papel destas associações na resolução dos problemas e desafios dos seus associados promovendo simultaneamente o desenvolvimento rural madeirense. Com recurso a entrevistas aplicadas a um conjunto de oito informadores privilegiados, verificou-se que as associações têm contribuído positivamente, não só para a criação modernização e viabilização de muitas explorações agrícolas, como também para a promoção dos produtos da Ilha. Isto foi feito através de ações de formação, workshops, seminários, aconselhamento/acompanhamento no terreno, apresentação de novos produtos e técnicas agrícolas, participação em feiras regionais, identificação de nichos de mercado e potenciais compradores/clientes, bem como divulgação e explicação das diretrizes das Politicas Agroambientais da União Europeia. Constatou-se também que a ligação entre agricultura e desenvolvimento rural é indissociável. A agricultura multifuncional, praticada na região, tem contribuído para a preservação do património cultural e ambiental madeirense, com efeitos muito positivos no turismo, na criação de emprego e no crescimento da economia regional. The research presents a case study of to two agricultural associations of Madeira Island: the Farmer's Association of Madeira (AAM) and the Association of Young Farmers of Madeira and Porto Santo (AJAMPS). The main goal of the research is to understand the role of the associations in the development of the agricultural activity of their members and the promotion of Madeira rural development. Using interviews applied to a set of key informants and farmers it was found that the associations have contributed positively not only for the creation, modernization and viability of several farms, but also to the promotion of island products. This is done through training activities, workshops, seminars, counseling/monitoring in the field, participation in regional fairs, identification of niche markets, and explanation of the European agricultural policy funds It was found also that the link between agriculture and rural development is inseparable. The multifunctional agriculture, practiced in the region, has contributed to the preservation of the cultural and environmental heritage of Madeira, with very positive effects on tourism, creating jobs and improving the regional economy.

SMIRES is a COST Action addressing the Science and Management of Intermittent Rivers & Ephemeral Streams (coord. T. Datry, INRAE, and G. Singer, University of Innsbruck; http://www.smires.eu). This COST Action had brought together scientists from various research field and stakeholders to develop a European multidisciplinary network for synthesising the fragmented and recent knowledge on temporary water courses, improving our understanding of Intermittent Rivers and Ephemeral Streams (IRES) and translating this into a science-based, sustainable management of river networks. The working group “Prevalence, distribution and trends of IRES” (WG1) has the central role to provide the physical basis of the SMIRES Action. One of the tasks of WG1 was to compile flow gauging data at the European scale. As part of this work, examples of intermittent rivers and ephemeral streams were collected across Europe, including gauged catchments with both natural and highly influenced river flow regimes. A total of 40 examples have been put together in this catalogue to provide an overview of the variety of IRES in Europe. The selected IRES are not meant to be representative of all intermittent water courses in Europe but rather highlight the variety in these water courses. Introductory pages describe the procedures used to create the catalogue including definitions of the statistical measures reported for the individual intermittent rivers and ephemeral streams, and provide an overview of the catalogued water courses. Information on the selected gauged intermittent rivers and ephemeral streams is summarised in a two-page document: The first standardized page describes the main characteristics of the catchments (land-use, geology, climate, etc.) and the river flow regime. Two panels display the hydrographs and flow durations curves, and a table gives metrics specific to river flow intermittence relevant for ecology. The second page is dedicated to the description and reasons for intermittence. A short description about the spatio-temporal pattern of zero-flow events. This section may describe the seasonal behaviour of the stream, observed long-term trends, locations with frequently observed zero-flow events along the river network, etc. The monitoring network, including gauging stations and other types of observations (e.g. visual inspection of the flow states at different locations along the river) in the catchment, are also described.