Table 1 Final ranking of the top 10 research priorities for restoring European free-flowing rivers
From: A collaborative research agenda for restoring free-flowing rivers
Rank | Rank change | Short ( + topic no.) | Topic | Detailed description | Clustering position in CA space | Times ranked #1 | Times included in top 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 ↑ | Ecological responses (7) | Enhancing riverine biodiversity and ecosystem functioning | This research investigates how restoring free-flowing rivers impacts biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, focusing on river reconnection, natural flow regimes, and the restoration of key species and habitats. It explores how restored flows influence biodiversity, species distributions, ecosystem processes, and their long-term benefits in Key Biodiversity Areas. | Centrally positioned with the natural science topics species-specific responses (topic no 13), connectivity and species migration (16), and monitoring and baseline efforts (11). | 14 | 44 |
2 | 1 ↓ | Prioritization strategies (27) | Developing prioritization strategies for targeted restoration | This research prioritizes river restoration based on ecological, social, and economic factors. It aims to identify key areas for restoring free-flowing rivers, using criteria like biodiversity, cost-efficiency, feasibility, and ecosystem connectivity. It also explores how to prioritize rivers based on size, water quality, and vulnerability while balancing ecological goals with development needs. | Central, adjacent to the natural science topics climate change adaptation (14), hydropower impacts (17), drought and flood resilience (1), and connectivity and species migration (16). | 9 | 46 |
3 | 11 ↑ | Defining standards (15) | Establishing restoration standards for free-flowing rivers | This research establishes clear definitions and restoration standards, targets and criteria for free-flowing rivers, focusing on setting biodiversity and ecosystem targets. | Central with the natural science topics monitoring and baseline (11) and habitat availability (9). | 8 | 33 |
4 | 0 | Community and stakeholder involvement (26) | Engaging communities and stakeholders | This research investigates how to involve communities, stakeholders, and cultural perspectives in free-flowing river restoration projects. It focuses on integrating local knowledge, overcoming socio-political barriers, and fostering public engagement. | Centrally located within the social science cluster, grouping with stakeholder cooperation (21), financing and viability (20), and cross-boundary governance (23). | 4 | 33 |
5 | 3 ↓ | Public awareness and communication (24) | Enhancing public awareness and communication strategies | This research focuses on communicating the benefits (and risks) of restoring free-flowing rivers and addressing public concerns. It emphasizes how restoration supports climate change mitigation, recreational opportunities, and community well-being. It also explores best practices for engaging local communities, policymakers, and dam owners to build support for restoration efforts. | Located in the center of the CA space between social and natural science topics; surrounded by the social science topics stakeholder cooperation (21), community and stakeholder involvement (26) and the natural science topic hydropower impacts (17). | 4 | 35 |
6 | 0 | Connectivity and species migration (16) | Improving species migration through connectivity restoration | This research focuses on restoring river connectivity (longitudinal and lateral) through barrier removal and floodplain reconnection to facilitate movement for a diverse array of species, including migratory fishes, invertebrates, insects, macrophytes, riparian plants, and amphibians. It addresses the impacts of river infrastructure on species dispersal and emphasizes improving fish passage efficiency across natural and artificial barriers to enhance migration and aquatic biodiversity. | Centrally positioned, encircled by the natural science topics ecological responses and biodiversity (7), drought and flood resilience (1), species-specific responses (13), hydropower impacts (17) and the social science topic prioritization strategies (27). | 1 | 33 |
7 | 15 ↑ | Financing and viability (20) | Securing long-term financial sustainability | This research develops financing strategies for long-term river restoration projects, including green finance and corporate investments. It focuses on ensuring the economic sustainability of large-scale river restoration efforts and creating models for securing financial support over the long term. | At the periphery of the social science cluster, adjacent to the topics economic challenges (19), cross-boundary governance (23), community and stakeholder involvement (26), and the natural science topic innovative technical solutions (18). | 8 | 31 |
8 | 0 | Drought and flood resilience (1) | Enhancing resilience to droughts and floods through restoration | This research investigates whether and to which extent restoring free-flowing rivers enhances resilience to droughts and floods while improving water availability. It focuses on using natural river dynamics to mitigate water scarcity and manage flood risks. | Centrally placed at the intersection of natural and social science clusters; surrounded by the natural science topics hydropower impacts (17), connectivity and species migration (16) and the social science topic prioritization strategies (27). | 1 | 38 |
9 | 9 ↑ | Stakeholder cooperation (21) | Improving governance and stakeholder collaboration | This research focuses on improving governance frameworks by involving stakeholders and fostering cross-sectoral collaboration. It focuses on inclusive governance and collaboration across different sectors, which are key to achieving balanced restoration of free-flowing rivers that meet ecological and community needs. | Positioned at the edge of the social science cluster, clustered with community and stakeholder involvement (26), public awareness and communication (24), cross-boundary governance (23), and societal and cultural impacts (25). | 4 | 33 |
10 | 3 ↑ | Climate change adaptation (14) | Enhancing climate resilience and biodiversity in rivers | This research explores how restoring free-flowing rivers enhances resilience to climate change, focusing on long-term water security, reducing climate-related risks, and supporting biodiversity adaptation. Examining species responses and ecological health ensures restoration strategies incorporate climate adaptation for resilient ecosystems and communities. | On the outer edge of CA space, surrounded by the social science topics prioritization strategies (27), science-policy and legal frameworks (22) and the natural science topics connectivity and species migration (16), drought and flood resilience (1). | 3 | 33 |
