Beyond carbon storage: A multifunctional ecosystem services framework for integrating restored wetlands into sustainable regional development planning in the Sahel

Wetlands in arid and semi-arid regions are increasingly recognized as critical ecological infrastructures that provide services beyond their traditional role as carbon sinks. Within the Sahel region, rapid population growth, climate variability, desertification, water scarcity, and expanding urban settlements have intensified pressure on wetland ecosystems. While restoration efforts often emphasize carbon sequestration and biodiversity recovery, limited research has examined how restored wetlands contribute to broader regional development outcomes including water security, climate adaptation, livelihood stability, agricultural productivity, and sustainable land-use planning.
This study proposes a Multifunctional Wetland Ecosystem Services Framework (MWESF) designed specifically for dryland environments. The framework integrates ecological indicators, hydrological functions, socio-economic benefits, and spatial planning approaches to evaluate restored wetlands as nature-based infrastructure supporting sustainable development in the Sahel.
Using an interdisciplinary approach combining ecosystem service assessment, geospatial analysis, restoration ecology, and regional planning principles, this paper explores how restored wetlands can transition from isolated conservation areas into multifunctional assets embedded within climate-resilient development strategies. The proposed framework provides policymakers, planners, and environmental managers with an integrated decision-support model for balancing ecosystem protection with human development needs.