PUDDLE JUMP - promoting upstream-downstream directed linkages in the environment - joined-up management perspectives

Description

Small artificial waterbodies (SAWs) are found in many urban, agricultural and forest landscapes. When designed, located and managed appropriately, they can be multifunctional solutions for flood and drought risk mitigation, and the maintenance and enhancement of biodiversity. We will highlight the need to consider upstream/downstream hydrological and institutional connectivity when evaluating the (dis-)benefits SAWs offer to society and nature.

Through an in-depth and co-created study of SAWs in Mälardalen (Stockholm, Uppsala, Knivsta), we develop guidelines for Swedish municipalities to integrate SAWs into their planning processes. We use a “local first” approach to engaging in municipalities where a lack of joined-up thinking has limited the optimal use of SAWs for ecosystem service delivery.

Using a catchment-oriented approach, we test how SAWs can manage water flows and focus on SAW placement to mitigate against extreme hydrological events (both floods and drought). We investigate the recreational and social ecosystem services offered by SAWs, and use citizen science methods to increase public awareness of the multiple services that SAWs provide. Finally, we analyse the national and international policy context for SAWs focusing on multi-level governance and actions to meet both Water Framework and Floods Directive requirements.

PUDDLE JUMP is led by the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, in collaboration with Uppsala University and KTH Stockholm.

Read more about the project (in Swedish)