Riparian zones are recognized as supporting highly diverse ecosystems, hosting highly specialized ecological communities and providers of multiple ecosystem services. Recognition of riparian ecosystems’ importance has resulted in considerable research efforts. Nevertheless, despite this body of scientific work and policy motivation, progress in improving the state of riparian ecosystems has been very limited, notably across Europe. This likely to be caused by misalignments in how riparian ecosystems are perceived by individuals or organizations with different backgrounds, geographical origin, cultural contexts, or purpose. To reduce these misalignments, a pan-European research network has been launched under the support of EU COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology) Actions. The CONVERGES COST Action (https://converges.eu/) aims at bringing together the diverse body of knowledge that exists across Europe on all aspects of riparian vegetation. The active members of the CONVERGES network count 34 countries interacting through a bottom-up, flexible, interdisciplinary and inclusive approach. The network’s goals are to create a common space for large-scale knowledge synthesis, interdisciplinary research exchange, and cross-sector knowledge co-creation.
Results/Conclusions
In this presentation, the first results and advantages of such a network are presented. These results include: I) synthesis of current knowledge to characterize the status of riparian vegetation (ecological structure, functioning and dynamics, and standardized monitoring methods) across Europe; II) main stressors and management responses across Europe; III) examples of evidence-based best practices in riparian management (including restoration of riparian ecosystems and genetic resource conservation); IV) examples of effective tools and indicators to assess ecological status using riparian vegetation (including remote sensing tools and assessment methods); V) list of ecosystems services provided by riparian vegetation, and VI) summary of riparian-zones’ stakeholders status, participation, management practices and legislation.
This network is a valuable and innovative, cross-disciplinary asset to convey, share and advance knowledge on riparian ecosystems. The involved players include scientists, policy makers and stakeholders from different scientific disciplines, geographical regions and management contexts. Prospects for upscaling to international networking, to foster cross-continental socio-ecological research and applied collaborations will be discussed.