The importance of long-term research for water security: a perspective for Brazilian waterbodies

Abstract

Abstract Water security involves ensuring that water is available in sufficient quality and quantity to meet the needs of human health, livelihoods, ecosystems, and productive activities. This opinion paper highlights the crucial role of Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) in shaping strategies to achieve water security. We begin by defining both water security and LTER, and by illustrating how LTER contributes to securing water resources. We then briefly discuss the significance of early long-term studies that have laid the foundation for water security efforts. Following this, we examine LTER programs focused on freshwater ecosystems in Brazil, with particular emphasis on two case studies in the Upper Paraná River: the LTER program in the Upper Paraná River floodplain and the monitoring of macrophytes in the Itaipu Reservoir. We show that long-term studies in Brazil have supported the implementation of strategies that benefit various dimensions of water security, positively impacting supporting, provisioning, regulating, and cultural ecosystem services. Finally, we discuss the incorporation of water security into Brazilian legislation. While Brazilian scientists and managers possess experience in both LTER and water security issues, ensuring the implementation and enhancement of the benefits through legislative measures and other instruments that prioritize most of the society, rather than catering solely to the most influential economic sectors is challenging.

Keywords

• eutrophication
• biodiversity
• streams
• floodplains
• reservoirs
• ecosystem services