Activities
to perform
1 to 5
Activities 1 to 5 aim to prepare and implement the application of NbS (Nature-based Solutions) in the pilot area.
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Activity 1 consists of carrying out a detailed survey of the land, which will allow the precise definition of the location patterns of the interventions to be carried out. This is essential to optimize the impact of NbS and ensure their effectiveness.
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Activity 2 involves field instrumentation, that is, the use of equipment and sensors that will collect relevant data to monitor and evaluate the effects of NbS over time. This step is crucial for monitoring and continuous improvement of the implemented solutions.
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Activities 3, 4 and 5 are dedicated to the formulation, application and monitoring of different types of NBS. Activity 3 focuses on the application of a specific compound, while Activity 4 deals with the formulation, application and monitoring of an olive pomace-based biochar. Finally, Activity 5 addresses the formulation, application and monitoring of NbS known as biocrusts.
7,9 and 10
Activities 7, 9 and 10 of this project introduce an innovative approach to evaluating the impact of interventions carried out, as well as disseminating the results obtained. The objective of activities 7 and 9 is to evaluate both biophysical and economic ecosystem services that result from the measures implemented in the project. These measures, which include erosion control and carbon (C) fixation, have significant repercussions on the ecosystem. Economic analysis plays a crucial role in providing insights that can guide important decisions and foster the conservation of essential natural resources such as soil and water.
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To quantify the value of ecosystem services in the eyes of society, indirect market techniques will be used. This will allow the attribution of a monetary value to the services provided by the ecosystem, as a way of recognizing the intrinsic importance of these services for society as a whole. Furthermore, the assessment will extend to carbon (C) fixation, given the devastating impacts of rural fires. The focus is on estimating the replacement costs of carbon emissions, considering the conversion of soil C into CO₂. The large fire that occurred in Picões, for example, resulted in significant losses of soil and carbon, representing a substantial challenge to the recovery and resilience of the local ecosystem.
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Furthermore, the costs associated with soil erosion will be meticulously calculated. This assessment process will not only consider the in situ effects of erosion, but will also analyze ex situ impacts, such as sediment accumulation in a reservoir. This accumulation not only reduces the useful life of the AHBS, but also affects the production of electrical energy linked to this resource. The complexity of these calculations reflects the intricate interconnection between ecosystem processes and the services they provide.
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Finally, the project recognizes the importance of effective dissemination of results. The Dissemination Plan, reflected in activity 10, aims to share the findings and insights gained with a wider audience. This not only promotes awareness of the importance of conserving natural resources, but also provides a basis for informed decisions and future actions towards the sustainability and continued health of the study zone's ecosystem.
6 and 8
Activity 6 focuses on monitoring processes in the field, specifically on evaluating erosion plots. This analysis will allow the calculation of in situ erosion rates. Furthermore, this approach will be extended to the wide swath of the fire-affected slope, an area that occupies a significantly larger proportion than the original pilot area. The objective is to estimate soil losses and the production of sediments that are eventually transported to the reservoir.
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Activity 8 is focused on monitoring processes in the reservoir. To more comprehensively understand the spatial variation of sediment transport for the Baixo Sabor Hydroelectric Plant (AHBS), satellite images will be used. The strategy consists of combining data obtained from field activities with remote information extracted from satellite images. This data crossing is intended to allow the calibration of hydrological models. These models play a crucial role in estimating the response of processes in this extensive slope range, providing a deeper and more detailed understanding of sediment transport to the reservoir.
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