Water Values: participatory assessment of riverine ecosystem services for sustainable water management in the Arno basin

Water-related Ecosystem Services (WES), defined as the multiple benefits that society can obtain from water or water-related ecosystems, represent a useful perspective to look at the interrelation between biosphere and anthroposphere in a river environment. Aiming at exploring the ecosystem-water-society nexus to support watershed management through the participatory evaluation of WES, the study considers the specific case of Figline and Incisa Valdarno municipality (Tuscany Region, Italy). The territory, part of the Arno watershed, is situated in an area where water has a strong socio-cultural and economic relevance for the citizens. Starting from the biophysical assessment of the study area, focus groups were organized to allow the participatory evaluation of WES, targeting mainly low impact stakeholders that have often little voice in the management process. Results show that the proposed approach allowed WES mapping and the identification of valuable WES characterised by a critical status. This further allowed the analysis of multiple scenarios and the identification of a shared river management strategy, jointly with local authorities and water management experts. Our analysis demonstrates the potential of WES concept as a suitable common framework for developing participatory processes over integrated water resources management. The study was carried out being fully inserted in an actual legal framework, since it was organised and funded in line with the Tuscany Region Law for Public Participation (L.R.46/2013). The proposed participatory approach can promote the involvement of all interested parties in Water Framework Directive implementation (Art 14) and foster a wider public participation in building river management plans.