Kildemangfold

Kildemangfold is a concept used in ecology and water resources management to describe the diversity of water sources and aquatic habitats within a landscape. It includes the variety of springs, streams, rivers, lakes, wetlands, and the groundwater-dependent ecosystems that connect them, as well as the seasonal and spatial variation in hydrological regimes. The term combines kilde (source) and mangfold (diversity), highlighting the importance of multiple water origins for ecological resilience and human use.

Ecological significance: A high kildemangfold supports a broader range of species, stabilizes flows, enhances nutrient cycling, and provides ecosystem services such as clean drinking water, flood mitigation, and recreational value.

Threats and management: Pressures include groundwater overuse, pollution, land-use change, and climate variability, which can reduce habitat diversity and alter hydrological connectivity. Management approaches emphasize protection of headwaters, restoration of wetlands and riparian areas, sustainable water use, and integrated planning across sectors.

Applications and research: The concept informs conservation planning, environmental impact assessments, and watershed-level hydrological models. It is often linked to integrated water resources management and biodiversity strategies, aiming to maintain or restore the diversity of water sources as a foundation for resilient ecosystems.

See also biodiversity, groundwater, hydrology, water resources management.