PRE2023 - Evaluando los impactos de la salinización en el Río Gambia (PID2022-140848NB-C31)

This PhD contract will be associated with the interdisciplinary project SALBIA, aimed at assessing the impacts of freshwater salinization on the socio-ecological system of the river Gambia. The PhD thesis will have a strong spatial component. Remote sensing, GIS and data analysis skills will be highly valued. A multidisciplinary background and language skills will be also valued. The field work will be conducted in The Gambia (West Africa), but the candidate will be based in Barcelona and/or Palma (Spain). The candidate should hold a degree in Environmental Sciences, Geography, Biology, or related disciplines. The candidate should hold a Master degree or obtain it before the beginning of the contract. The main tasks to be performed are: Assessing the effects of changes in land uses and climate, including mangrove presence and conservation status on the hydrological dynamics and salinization of the River Gambia. Characterizing the resource units, resource system, users, governance and interactions (ecosystem services) of the River Gambia social-ecological system. Mapping the main potential areas for C pool burial and inputs of the river Gambia based on mangrove status and satellite imagery of the water color. Mapping the spatial inequalities on the social impacts of freshwater salinization of the Gambia river. Defining the interactions between users and the resource system using the IPBES Nature’s Contributions to People framework