OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF SEASONAL ECOSYSTEM SERVICES IN THE CONTEXT OF SUSTAINABLE RIVER HYDROLOGY

The development of sustainable ecosystem services worldwide is one of the priority issues in the context of environmental protection. Sustainable use of ecosystem services ensures the conservation of natural resources for future generations. In the cold climate of the lowland river, there is a highly seasonal hydrological regime affecting the use of ecosystem services. Biodiversity in flood meadows depends directly on seasonal variations in water levels. Balanced hydro generation and water regulation can pose risks to biodiversity. The aim of this study is to analyse the impact of the hydroelectric power plant on the water level of flood meadows and its impact on biodiversity in the Natura2000 area. During the study nine monitoring stations were set up for the Svete River section in the administrative area of Jelgava municipality. Water level measurements were made one year at one hour interval. The flow rate measurements were performed monthly. The results of the study show that the hydroelectric power plant has a significant impact on the downstream, where increased river overgrowth wit plants is observed, because of the inability to provide ecological run-off during the summer. This study offers to optimize water flow rates by upgrading the operation of hydroelectric power.