Multi-criteria methods for prioritizing wetland restoration and creation sites based on ecological, biophysical and socio-economic factors

Wetland restoration and creation has been recognized as a useful tool for improving water quality and land use planning. Many studies have focused on developing strategies and models to optimize wetland performance. However,... [ view full abstract ]

Wetland restoration and creation has been recognized as a useful tool for improving water quality and land use planning. Many studies have focused on developing strategies and models to optimize wetland performance. However, some important wetland placement characteristics have not been taken into account. Due to the importance of integrating environmental, biophysical and socio-economic factors in wetland restoration projects, a comparison of two multi-criteria methods (a suitability model and a greedy algorithm) was conducted. With nitrate removal as the main goal, the suitability model was applied considering the “terrain slope”, “proximity to watercourses” and “soil permeability”. The greedy algorithm was executed based on the “availability of public lands” and the “wetland restoration project costs”. These factors were chosen based on the Eu Life-CREAMAgua Flumen River project and provide a more effective and comprehensive site selection via comparison of the two methods. Both the suitability model and the greedy algorithm provided critical information for siting a wetland and demonstrated the effectiveness of both approaches. The suitability model described the priority sub-basins for wetlands restoration using biophysical criteria, and the greedy algorithm reported the availability of public lands or the tasks to be performed. This research and its possible adaptations can be used by decision makers to improve water quality using social and economic criteria, resulting in the efficient implementation of ecological-restoration projects. This approach can be useful for land-use offsetting practices which are highly demanded in intensively and extensevely used territories searching for more sustainable land use.However specific criteria should be used for each type of territory.