Ecosystem services of the Drava river–floodplain system: a systematic review of ecohydrological functions, biodiversity and cultural values

The Drava is a major transboundary Danube tributary in Central Europe that provides a wide range of ecosystem services (ES) while facing increasing pressures from hydropower development, river regulation, and land-use change. Despite its ecological and socio-economic importance, no comprehensive synthesis of ES research has been conducted for the river. This study presents the first systematic review of ES associated with the Drava and its floodplain systems. A structured literature review of Google Scholar and Web of Science identified 26 eligible publications. The studies were analysed according to their disciplinary focus, spatial characteristics, ES classification, assessment approaches, and research objectives. To improve comparability, all identified services were harmonised using the Common International Classification of Ecosystem Services. The review shows that research has primarily focused on regulation and maintenance services, particularly hydrological regulation, flood mitigation, water purification, and habitat maintenance, whereas provisioning and cultural services have received less attention. Most studies were intended to support river management and policy development and relied predominantly on biophysical and spatial assessment approaches; socio-cultural and economic assessments were less common. By providing the first integrated synthesis of ES across the Drava basin, the review highlights the need for catchment-wide, transboundary and methodologically harmonised assessments that integrate biophysical, socio-cultural and economic evidence to support river-basin management and restoration planning.