Strengthening Springshed Management Through Nature-Based Solutions: The Potential of Spring Revival
摘要
Springs are the lifeline for the people and a vital source of freshwater in mountainous and hilly regions, essential for maintaining ecosystems and empowering socioeconomic development. However, these vulnerable systems face various challenges, including overexploitation, climate change, encroachment, and land-use alterations, threatening their existence and sustainability. This chapter explores the concept and components of springsheds, highlighting their ecological and socioeconomic importance as lifelines for rural and urban communities in hilly regions. It also explores the problems that threaten springshed sustainability and emphasises how Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) can be essential in resolving them. Reflecting on a case study of Bhutan, where springshed management has been successfully implemented, the chapter demonstrates how ecological restoration and community-driven approaches can revive and sustain spring flows. Key techniques for spring revival, such as springshed mapping, capacity building and training, and monitoring, are detailed. The potential benefits of spring revival, ranging from biodiversity conservation to ecological restoration and enhanced water security to improved livelihoods, are examined. By integrating traditional wisdom with innovative practices, springshed management emerges as a holistic, sustainable water resource management strategy. This work advocates for the broader adoption of NBS in springshed management to ensure resilient ecosystems and equitable water availability for future generations.