Evidence-based Risk Assessment of Ecological Damage due to Groundwater Abstraction; the Case of Doñana Natural Space, Spain

Abstract Many regions of the world are facing mounting water stress as competition increases for this vital resource that may become scarcer under future climates. More is being allocated to our needs food, public supply, hydro-electric power and industrial goods support growing populations life-style expectations. To achieve this, less often retained water-dependent ecosystems. Environmental protection agencies conservation organisations have highlighted resulting threat freshwater biodiversity associated ecosystem services human livelihoods well-being. Careful assessments therefore required advise on optimum allocation determine risk developments require redistribution resources. Along northern fringes Guadalquivir River delta estuary in southern Spain about 40% all jobs derive from agriculture. The production olives, fruit trees, rice berries a major component local economy producing large exports, but it requires significant rivers underlying aquifers. also reliant tourism brings many thousands people area summer which groundwater abstraction augmented. location Doñana wetland complex lagoons, marshlands, fixed mobile dunes was designated Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO 1980, international importance (Ramsar Site) Convention Wetlands 1982 World Heritage Site 1994. Fears been expressed increasing use putting wetlands at drying out, despite efforts river basin authority limit sustainable levels. This paper reports methodology analyses best available eco-hydrological scientific knowledge together with information likely success control measures current planned allocation. method applied joint UNESCO/IUCN/Ramsar Reactive Monitoring mission 2020. results provided paper, raised important related political, legal social issues concerning impacts withdrawals ecology wetlands. has wide application environmental assessments.