Abstract ID: 3.12603 | Accepted as Talk | Poster | TBA | TBA

The Matschertal/Val di Mazia, located in the westernmost part of South Tyrol, Italy, is a prime example of a socio-ecological system that is highly sensitive to water scarcity, land use patterns, and climate change. Spanning 90 km², the valley is situated between 950 m and 3739 m a.s.l. and is characterized by dry conditions, with an average annual precipitation of 525 mm at 1500 m. Due to its water scarcity, the valley has a long history of human adaptation, including a complex irrigation system that channeled water from glaciers to agricultural fields. Today, automated irrigation pipes have largely replaced these traditional channels. This unique setting makes Matschertal an ideal site for Long-Term Socio-Ecological Research (LT(S)ER), particularly to explore water management in mountainous regions. The valley’s characteristics, including its climate and land use, serve as a reference for future scenarios of water scarcity in other alpine regions. The research activities conducted in Matschertal address two key challenges faced by the European Alps: (1) the heterogeneity of water availability and demand, which requires high-resolution assessments, and (2) the need for an integrative approach that accounts for the dynamic interactions between social and ecological systems. We present three studies performed within the site: Huber et al. (2021) applied an agent-based model to simulate water supply and demand dynamics in the valley, assessing six different scenarios for the period 2015–2050, including three socio-economic pathways and one climate change scenario. Results indicate a significant increase in the water demand-to-supply ratio over time, with potential water scarcity expected to occur at the start of the irrigation season. Fontana et al. (2023) applied multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) to assess ecosystem services provided by mountain lakes, highlighting that remote lakes also contribute significantly to ES aesthetics. Schirpke et al. (2021) developed a framework for delineating functional spatial units in alpine grasslands to map ecosystem services (ES) based on topographical and management variables. All studies demonstrate the utility of integrating biophysical and socio-economic factors and offer valuable insights for sustainable management strategies in similar regions facing global change pressures.