Memorias de investigación
Research Publications in journals:
Towards adaptation to climate change: water for rice in the coastal wetlands of Doñana, Southern Spain.
Year:2015
Research Areas
  • Climate change,
  • Agricultural policy,
  • Agricultural structures and production,
  • Water management,
  • Agrarian economy
Information
Abstract
Rice production in coastal wetlands provides critical ecosystem services that range from flood control to wildlife habitat. In the Iberian Peninsula rice was introduced in the 10th Century. Today Iberian rice accounts for about one quarter of the total rice production of the European Union, almost exclusively cultivated in the coastal wetlands of Spain, with permanent flooding. The intensive water management required to produce rice stands at a crucial point since freshwater supply is deteriorating at an unprecedented rate. Here we explore flexible adaptation options to climate change in the Doñana wetlands - a world heritage and biodiversity site - from two points of view: What are the policy options for agricultural water management in view of climate change? How can informed stakeholders contribute to better adaptation? The first question is addressed by simulating water availability to farmers with the WAAPA model under a range of adaptation policy options derived from the view of the local communities. The second question was addressed by means of participatory research. Adaptation options are framed according to the local environmental, social and policy context. Results suggest that perception on the potential role of new water infrastructure and farming subsidies dominates the view of local communities. The choices of the stakeholders that could be simulated with the hydrological model, were quantified in terms of additional water availability for the rice farming, therefore providing a quantitative measure to the qualitative solutions. Information provided during the study shaped the final adaptation options developed. Our research contributes to the definition of sustainable rice production in Europe.
International
Si
JCR
Si
Title
Water Resources Management
ISBN
0920-4741
Impact factor JCR
2,463
Impact info
Volume
10.1007/s11269-015-0995-x
Journal number
From page
1
To page
25
Month
SIN MES
Ranking
Participants
Research Group, Departaments and Institutes related
  • Creador: Centro o Instituto I+D+i: Centro de Estudios e Investigación para la Gestión de Riesgos Agrarios Medioambientales (CEIGRAM). Centro Mixto UPM-AGROMUTUA-ENESA
  • Departamento: Economía Agraria, Estadística y Gestión de Empresas
  • Departamento: Ingeniería Civil: Hidráulica, Energía y Medio Ambiente