Toward effective river restoration in Brazil: a systematic review of current practices, regional disparities, and success metrics

Author(s)

Hordones, Rafael H. ; Boechat, Iola G. ; Cunha, Davi G. F. ; Brauns, Mario ; Guecker, Bjoern

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: RESTORATION ECOLOGY; v. N/A, p. 11-pg., 2025-03-20.

Abstract

Freshwater ecosystems in Brazil face critical threats from urbanization, industrialization, and agricultural expansion, leading to biodiversity loss and diminished ecosystem services. Restoration efforts are essential, yet a systematic overview of their distribution, objectives, and success metrics is lacking. Here, we conduct a systematic review of scientific literature and government-funded project reports to assess the current state of river and stream restoration in Brazil. We applied a structured approach to analyze 25 publications and 16 projects funded by the National Watershed Revitalization Program, classifying restoration efforts by scale, objectives, actions, and success evaluation. Results show that basin-scale restoration dominated over reach and sub-basin-scale projects, with most efforts concentrated in the Atlantic Forest and Cerrado savanna in the Southeastern region. Water quality improvement, particularly through pollution control and riparian vegetation restoration, was the primary objective. Success evaluation focused largely on water quality and habitat assessments; however, 40% of publications and 12.5% of projects lacked formal success control. Regional disparities in restoration distribution reflect economic and institutional imbalances, underscoring the need for standardized protocols and more equitable resource allocation. This review highlights the importance of adaptive management and community involvement to enhance restoration outcomes and ensure long-term sustainability in Brazil's freshwater ecosystems. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 21/04399-1 - RESTOLINK: Quantifying restoration success across biomes by linking biodiversity, multifunctionality and hydromorphological heterogeneity
• Grantee: Davi Gasparini Fernandes Cunha
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants