@article{fdi:010071891, title = {{T}he changing hydro-ecological dynamics of rivers and deltas of the {W}estern {I}ndian {O}cean : anthropogenic and environmental drivers, local adaptation and policy response}, author = {{D}uvail, {S}t{\'e}phanie and {H}amerlynck, {O}. and {P}aron, {P}. and {H}erv{\'e}, {D}ominique and {N}yingi, {W}. {D}. and {L}eone, {M}.}, editor = {}, language = {{ENG}}, abstract = {{T}he rivers flowing into the {W}estern {I}ndian {O}cean have steep headwater gradients and carry high sediment loads. {I}n combination with strong tides and seasonal rainfall, these rivers create dynamic deltas with biodiversity-rich and productive ecosystems that, through flooding, have sustained indigenous use systems for centuries. {H}owever, river catchments are rapidly changing due to deforestation. {H}ydropower dams also increasingly alter flood characteristics, reduce sediment supply and contribute to coastal erosion. {T}hese impacts are compounded by climate change. {A}ltogether, these changes affect the livelihoods of the delta users. {H}ere, based on prior works that we and others have conducted in the region, we analyse the drivers of these hydro-ecological changes. {W}e then provide recommendations for improved dam design and operations to sustain the underlying delta-building processes, the ecosystem values and the needs of the users.}, keywords = {{D}eltas ; {D}ams ; {F}lood ; {E}cosystems ; {L}ivelihoods ; {AFRIQUE} {DE} {L}'{EST} ; {AFRIQUE} {DU} {SUD} ; {MADAGASCAR} ; {OCEAN} {INDIEN}}, booktitle = {{V}ulnerability of inter-tropical littoral areas}, journal = {{C}omptes {R}endus {G}eoscience}, volume = {349}, numero = {6-7}, pages = {269--279}, ISSN = {1631-0713}, year = {2017}, DOI = {10.1016/j.crte.2017.09.004}, URL = {https://www.documentation.ird.fr/hor/fdi:010071891}, }