Sustainable Management of Semi-aquatic Ecosystems

Dear Colleagues,

Semi-aquatic ecosystems are unique as they are ecotones that have characteristics of both the adjacent aquatic and terrestrial ecosystem. As ecotones or transition zones, these ecosystems have ecological and biophysical gradients. Their uniqueness leads to high biodiversity and many ecosystem services. This is the reason they have been utilized for thousands of years and why many are heavily degraded. In this Special Issue emphasis will be given to riparian areas, wetlands and deltas. These areas face constant pressure due to many anthropogenic factors and, especially, agriculture and urbanization. Many of the ecosystems have been cleared for agricultural activities while most of the most population lives in or along riparian areas, wetlands and deltas. Their restoration and conservation is a priority worldwide since they are essential for human well-being.

Climate change will have major impacts on riparian areas, wetlands and deltas. Firstly, climate change will increase water scarcity, which means these ecosystems will face more pressures from agriculture and urbanization. Climate change will also alter the hydrologic cycle and the hydrologic regimes, thus altering the functionality and processes of riparian areas, wetlands and deltas. Without incorporating these potential changes and impacts, new plans will not manage the areas sustainably.  

This Special Issue is focused on the implications of anthropogenic pressures and climate change on riparian areas, wetlands and deltas, and sustainable management practices. Some of the main topics of interest are:

• Potential impacts of climate change on semi-aquatic ecosystems;
• Ecohydrology of riparian areas, wetlands and deltas;
• Ecosystem-based approaches for their sustainable management;
• Nature-based solution examples implemented for the restoration or conservation of these ecosystems;
• How the sustainable management of these ecosystem can help meet the Sustainable Development Goals;
• Sustainable management of semi-aquatic ecosystems for climate change adaptation.

Contributors from different fields are invited to submit their articles on this topic.

Dr. George N Zaimes
Guest Editor

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