A framework to assess adaptive capacity of the water resources system in Nepalese river basins

This paper focuses on a methodology called ‘generic adaptation methodology for river basins’ (AMR) that provides guidance to water managers seeking: (1) potential adaptation measures to climate change and climate variability, (2) measuring impacts, and (3) evaluating adaptations. The methodology uses basic elements addressed in existing adaptation research and is designed for a participatory setting involving various stakeholders. In AMR, the water resources system is seen as an economic asset that provides ‘goods and services’ for both humans and ecosystems. The innovative aspect of AMR is that it distinguishes impacts to water management objectives and impacts to the physical state of water resources in a river basin in a relatively simple iterative approach. Both impact types are quantified using indicators. The framework and results are demonstrated for a case study in the Walawe basin (Sri Lanka). It is explained that actually implementing adaptations in policy making can be difficult in trans-boundary river basins as each riparian country has its own policy objectives and hence ways of dealing with adaptation.

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Analysis of a Nepalese water resources system: stress, adaptive capacity and vulnerability

Water Science & Technology Water Supply ◽

10.2166/ws.2009.245 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 9 (2) ◽

pp. 213-222 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

V. P. Pandey ◽

M. S. Babel ◽

F. Kazama

Keyword(s):

Water Resources ◽

Adaptive Capacity ◽

Socioeconomic Development ◽

High Stress ◽

Dynamic Environment ◽

Integrated Water Resources Management ◽

Vulnerability Index ◽

Environment Change ◽

Water Resources System ◽

Common Notion

It is widely accepted that water resources are vulnerable to socioeconomic development and environment change including climate change/variability. So, analyzing the type and extent of stresses (that render water a vulnerable resource) and the capacity of the system to adapt is necessary for integrated water resources management. This paper departs from the common notion that links vulnerability to water crisis, and analyzes a water resources system in the Bagmati River Basin (BRB) in Nepal from the perspective of both stress and adaptive capacity. The analysis is based on evaluation of eleven indicators, eight parameters, two sub-indices and an index. The situation analysis in basin and sub-watershed scale suggests considerable variation in parameter values and vulnerability index in different geographical (basin and sub-watershed) and spatial (three sub-watersheds) scales within the BRB, revealing the need for differential policy interventions based on scale. The northern sub-watershed in the BRB which has favourable climate for human settlement and cultivation, is more vulnerable than the southern sub-watershed. Relatively higher vulnerability in northern sub-watershed is due to high stress (related mainly to water scarcity) and low adaptive capacity (related mainly to low natural capacity). The comprehensive and easily interpretable finding is expected to help decision makers to reach sound solutions to reduce vulnerability of water resources system in the dynamic environment.

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MODERN HYDROGRAPHIC AND WATER MANAGEMENT ZONING OF UKRAINE’S TERRITORY – IMPLEMENTATION OF THE WFD-2000/60/EC

Proceedings of the XXVII Conference of the Danubian Countries on Hydrological Forecasting and Hydrological Bases of Water Management ◽

10.15407/uhmi.conference.01.23 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

V.K. Khilchevskyi ◽

Keyword(s):

Water Management ◽

Water Resources ◽

River Basins ◽

River Basin Management ◽

The Black Sea ◽

Main Function ◽

River Basin Management Plans ◽

Management Plans ◽

The Crimea ◽

Sea Coast

In contrast to the hydrological and hydrochemical zoning, hydrographic and water management zoning of Ukraine (2016) was created on a basin basis, taking into account the boundaries of river basins, and not physiographic zoning. The main function of hydrographic and water management zoning is water management. Primary is hydrographic zoning, and water management - based on it. The description of modern hydrographic zoning of the territory of Ukraine, approved in 2016 by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine and included in the Water Code of Ukraine is given. Hydrographic zoning is carried out for the development and implementation of river basin management plans. On the territory of Ukraine nine areas of river basins are allocated: Dnipro; Dnister; Danube; Southern Bug; Don; Vistula; rivers of the Crimea; rivers of the Black Sea coast; rivers of the Azov Sea coast 13 sub-basins are allocated in four river basins district. The water management zoning is described - the division of hydrographic units into water management areas, which is carried out for the development of water management balances. In the regions of the river basins in the territory of Ukraine allocated 132 water management areas, 59 of which are located in the Dnipro basin. About 9,000 bodies of surface water allocated for monitoring in Ukraine. Approved zoning is the implementation of the provisions of the EU Water Framework Directive 2000/60 / EC in the management of water resources in Ukraine. Modern hydrographic and water management zoning of the territory of Ukraine approximates the management of water resources of the state to European requirements.

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