The middle Ebro river: bases for its hydromorphological diagnosis and management and restoration perspectives

Abstract

The free Middle Ebro River is an exceptional stretch in the Iberian Peninsula due to its dimensions, with a complex and singular functioning, as well as a representative sample of a large Mediterranean river. This work constitutes a general reflection based on what is already known from previous works on the Middle Ebro River and what is being studied in the framework of the SEDEXCHARE project. A basic hydromorphological diagnosis is carried out in four study sections with the goal of identifying the main knowledge gaps that hinder the establishment of a new river and risk management system. We think that giving back space to the river, and thus allowing the river to, once again, have a dynamic active channel and a wide and continuous riparian corridor, will provide natural, social and territorial resilience to the Middle Ebro River space. We advocate for this corridor to be protected and preserved. This protection will also contribute to overcome the current inertias and socio-environmental conflicts that hinder the riverine restoration processes.