PUBLICATIONS

With increasing pressure on water resources, the demand for effective, science-based strategies for water management is more urgent than ever. A research team from the Faculty of Biology at Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski" has made a significant contribution in this area.

After extensive fieldwork in the Middle Iskar Cascade – a region marked by the construction and operation of numerous small hydropower plants (SHPPs) – the researchers applied a SWOT analysis framework to evaluate how these infrastructures impact water and sediment quality in rivers.

The team developed a comprehensive strategy for the assessment and long-term monitoring of rivers affected by human interventions. The approach integrates ecological indicators, hydromorphological characteristics, and socio-economic dimensions, enabling not only the evaluation of current conditions but also the identification of emerging risks to river ecosystems.

Importantly, the proposed strategy is scalable and adaptable to other regions facing similar environmental pressures, making it a valuable tool in broader efforts toward sustainable freshwater management.

The results and methodology were recently published in Water Resource Management – a high-impact, Q1-ranked journal. This publication highlights both the scientific excellence of the research and its practical relevance in environmental policy and planning.

Congratulations to the team at the Faculty of Biology, Sofia University, for this outstanding achievement and their ongoing commitment to sustainability and ecological innovation!