Riu.net 3.1.0

RiuNet is an interactive educational platform designed to assist users in assessing the hydrological and ecological condition of rivers. Developed through collaboration between the Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences at the University of Barcelona, the FEM Research Group, the Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), the Catalan Water Agency (ACA), and the Júcar Water Agency (CHJ), it also serves as a scientific data collection tool for researchers.

What can users achieve with the RiuNet application?

• Acquire knowledge about river dynamics and the biodiversity they support.
• Evaluate river quality by measuring hydrological and ecological parameters.
• Contribute valuable data to researchers and stakeholders to support improved management and conservation efforts.
• Engage actively in learning while enjoying the process.

RiuNet guides users through a series of steps, including:

1. Entering basic information about the river, such as its location, name, hydrographic district, and nearby town. This information is essential for validating results, mapping the river, and attaching relevant photographs.
2. Selecting the current aquatic phase of the river, its hydrological regime, and type, recognizing that different rivers possess distinct characteristics.
3. Conducting an assessment of the river's hydrological status.
4. Assessing ecological quality through two combined evaluations:
   • Hydromorphological analysis, focusing on riparian vegetation and channel characteristics.
   • Biological assessment based on invertebrate communities within the river.
5. Providing additional data through the “other data” section.
6. Submitting the compiled results for analysis and record-keeping.

The development of RiuNet was led by the FEM Research Group in collaboration with other institutions, including the University of Barcelona, IDAEA-CSIC, ACA, and CHJ. It is part of efforts supported by the +LIFE TRIVERS project (LIFE13 ENV/ES/000341).