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SARAS: A TOOL FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF BIODIVERSITY AND ECOSYSTEM SERVICES IN SEMIARID DAM RESERVOIRS

Betsy Medeiros , Magnolia Pfenning, José Barbosa, Gislayne Queiroz, Maria Feio, Daniele Azevêdo

Abstract

Context Reservoirs offer diverse ecosystem services, however, in semiarid regions, maintaining these services and preserving freshwater biodiversity face challenges due the conflicts over water use, land use and climate changes. Aim This study aimed to develop a tool, the Semiarid Reservoirs Assessment System (SARAS), to assess ecosystem services provided by reservoirs, their biodiversity and ecosystem functions and habitat. Methods To build the tool, we selected relevant indicators for reservoirs, constructed a scoring and classification system. After that, we applied the SARAS to a case study (Epitácio Pessoa reservoir) to test it. Key results SARAS has 5 sections, 8 divisions, and 41 indicators. Scores are calculated by dividing the maximum section score by divisions and then by indicators. Scores are standardized into percentage intervals and converted into final scores per division and section, offering a comprehensive ecosystem assessment. Conclusions SARAS has high potential, providing relevant information on ecosystem conservation status and aiding decision-making. It also supports new research by highlighting information gaps, such as the lack of biodiversity data for some taxa. Implications SARAS can be updated with new data, improving the tool potential. While focused on semiarid reservoirs, SARAS is widely adaptable to reservoirs of other regions of the world.

MF24216  Accepted 07 April 2025

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