Vidal Abarca Gutiérrez, María RosarioNicolás Ruiz, NéstorSánchez Montoya, María Del MarSuárez Alonso, María Luisa2025-06-192025-06-192022Vidal-Abarca Gutiérrez, M.R., Nicolás-Ruiz, N., Sánchez-Montoya, M.d.M. et al. Ecosystem services provided by dry river socio-ecological systems and their drivers of change. Hydrobiologia 850, 2585–2607 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-022-04915-80018-815810.1007/s10750-022-04915-8https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/121529Agencia Estatal de Investigación (CGL2017-84625-C2- 2-R) and Fundación Séneca.Dry rivers are a type of non-perennial river characterized by extreme dry conditions and dominance of terrestrial habitats. They are present in all continents, being especially abundant in arid and semiarid regions. Recent studies have shown their capacity to provide ecosystem services, although they are often undervalued and altered. This study is a literature review on the ecosystem services provided by dry rivers to human well-being. We apply the conceptual framework for the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment. First, we describe and exemplify the services provided by the natural system and its biodiversity. Second, we present the contributions of the local social system to service provision through co-production processes. Finally, the main drivers of ecosystem change that alter service provision are listed and discussed. We found that dry rivers and their biodiversity contribute to local human well-being. The ecological knowledge and culture of local human communities acquired over generations contribute to service provision maintaining the socio-ecological system’s sustainability and its resilience to disturbances. Among drivers of change, those of a social-cultural (e.g., sedentarization) and economic (e.g., globalization) nature affect dry rivers’ capacity to provide ecosystem services the most. Reconciling people and dry rivers requires a great deal of research and education.engreview article1573-5117https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-022-04915-8https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10750-022-04915-8restricted access504504.064556911.2911.3574Dry riversBiodiversitySocio-ecological systemCo-production of servicesDrivers of changeEcología (Biología)Geografía físicaMedio ambiente natural2410.05 Ecología Humana2505.07 Geografía Física