Enhancing Water Security through Stepwise Ecological Restoration and Nature-Based Solutions

Approximately 48% of rivers worldwide have experienced degradation, primarily resulting from reduced connectivity. The restoration of degraded river ecosystems faces a significant challenge - the lack of comprehensive scientific understanding of hydrological and ecological processes within the broader watershed context. To address this, the synthesis of case studies from diverse countries becomes crucial, demonstrating how a deeper grasp of hydrological and ecological processes can contribute to a stepwise ecological restoration of watersheds. Furthermore, the adoption of Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) for river management remains limited, largely due to a prevailing perception that they may not be as effective as conventional grey infrastructure solutions. Some NbS aim to mitigate multiple hydro-climatic extremes, such as floods and droughts, yet their implementation often lacks a holistic approach. To tackle these issues, two working groups have been established within the HELPING Decadal Program of the International Association of Hydrological Sciences (IAHS). These groups aim to facilitate the collection of data, share case studies, and foster research collaboration in the field of stepwise ecological restoration and nature-based solutions. The ultimate goal is to develop robust tools and strategies that ensure water security while promoting comprehensive watershed restoration.