The riparian forests are remarkable elements of mediterranean landscapes. Natural forests (Woodland), they concern an important hydrographic long linear network and spread more or less widely from both sides of the river: sometimes in simple afforestation near the banks minors beds, sometimes in real complex and diverse alluvial forests. Their existence depends on the presence of a shallow water table and periodic flooding.
The purpose of this booklet is to explore the relationship between wetlands and the hydrological cycle.It gives details of the hydrological components of wetlands, the extent to which different wetlands can regulate floods, sustain flows during dry periods and recharge groundwater.It indicates how these ecosystem functions can be interrupted or eliminated by human interference in the hydrology of wetlands. It concludes that sustainable water management is best achieved through judicious utilization of the natural functions of wetlands in conjunction with new technologies for controlling the hydrological cycle.
Brief Description Salinas are part of the cultural heritage of the Mediterranean. Since time immemorial, salt production has been achieved through the natural evaporation of salt water from the sea, coastal or interior lagoons.There is a close analogy with agriculture: an activity based on the harvesting of natural resources, which has gradually evolved into a modern efficient industry, to facilitate collection by man.Salt production is widespread in the Mediterranean where […]
Brief Description In much of the Mediterranean area, where the climate is hot and dry, freshwater is in short supply and fish and humans are in competition for this scarce resource. Improved standards of living in most countries and a rise in human population have combined to make increasing demands on freshwater resources and have resulted in conflicting interests in available water.Because of such demands, fish in southern Europe where […]
Brief Description Emergent aquatic plants dominate the landscape of many Mediterranean wetlands: the cast reed beds of common reed in deltas and around the edges of freshwater lakes; huge stretches of glasswort on the limits of salt and brackish marshes. The purpose of this booklet is to provide an understanding of the ecological functioning of systems dominated by emergent aquatic plants.To draw together information necessary for decisions on the management […]
Brief Description The purpose of this booklet is to explore the growing demand for water in the Mediterranean and the increasing pressures on the natural hydrological environment.It looks for instance at how natural ecosystems preserve the hydrology of river systems, storing and recycling freshwater.It asks how far our expectations for both ample water supply and environmental protection can be reconciled; how far maximizing use of scarce water can be consistent […]