scholarly journals Environmental Flows Assessments in the face of uncertainty: supporting the adaptive management of environmental flows

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Avril Horne ◽  
J Webb ◽  
Meghan Mussehl ◽  
Andrew John ◽  
Libby Rumpff ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adaptive Management ◽  
Environmental Flows ◽  
Environmental Flow ◽  
Management Tool ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Assessment Methodology ◽  
Participatory Approaches ◽  
Multiple Dimensions ◽  
The Face

Adaptive management has become the preferred approach for managing environmental flows globally, and successful implementation recognizes multiple dimensions of variability and complexity in socio-ecological systems. This paper outlines an environmental flow assessment methodology that explicitly addresses the uncertainty and change inherent in adaptively managing multiple values for management of environmental flows. While non-stationarity and uncertainty are well recognised in the climate literature, these have not been addressed within the structure of environmental flows methodologies. Here, we present an environmental flow assessment that is structured to explicitly consider future change and uncertainty in climate and socio-ecological values, by examining scenarios using ecological models. The environmental flow assessment methodology further supports adaptive management through the intentional integration of participatory approaches and the inclusion of diverse stakeholders. We present a case study to demonstrate the feasibility of this approach, highlighting how this methodology facilitates adaptive management. Rethinking our approach to environmental flows assessments is an important step in ensuring that environmental flows continue to work effectively as a management tool under climate change.

scholarly journals Securitization as an innovative refinancing mechanism and an effective asset management tool in a sustainable development environment

2020 ◽  
Vol 166 ◽  
pp. 13029
Author(s):  
Sergiy Legenchuk ◽  
Maryna Pashkevych ◽  
Olga Usatenko ◽  
Olha Driha ◽  
Valentyna Ivanenko
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Asset Management ◽  
Balance Sheet ◽  
Green Economy ◽  
Management Tool ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Development Environment ◽  
Management Philosophy ◽  
The Face ◽  
Collateralized Loan Obligation

Today’s realities dictate to Ukrainian companies a management philosophy that requires them not only to maintain their position in the market, but also to increase the efficiency of their operations and development in the context of favorable and unfavorable changes in the market environment, which necessitates significant amounts of financial resources. In the face of global competition and the increased turbulence of the external environment, securitization is one of the alternative tools to attract additional financing as well as to minimize risks by which financial markets can support sustainable finance in the transition to a green economy. The article deals with the essence of securitization as one of the major financial innovations of our time. It is established that this financial mechanism allows to diversify sources of financing, to effectively manage the structure of the balance sheet of the enterprise, as well as to significantly increase the level of liquidity of its assets. It also describes the main types of securitization and their impact on the structure of balance sheet indicators. The practical relevance of the study is that the authors’ highlighted areas of change in financial performance make it possible to make an smart decision on the use of a particular securitization mechanism, considering the purpose of its implementation and the capabilities of its initiators, including in the transition to a green economy. It is suggested for the successful implementation of the concept of a “green” economy aimed at achieving sustainable development goals in Ukraine, using such financial instrument as sustainable securitization through the use of the collateralized loan obligation mechanism.

Dam Design can Impede Adaptive Management of Environmental Flows: A Case Study from the Opuha Dam, New Zealand

2012 ◽  
Vol 51 (2) ◽  
pp. 459-473 ◽  
Author(s):  
JoAnna Lessard ◽  
D. Murray Hicks ◽  
Ton H. Snelder ◽  
David B. Arscott ◽  
Scott T. Larned ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Adaptive Management ◽  
Environmental Flows

scholarly journals Environmental flow assessment in the context of climate change: a case study in Southern Quebec (Canada)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laureline Berthot ◽  
André St-Hilaire ◽  
Daniel Caissie ◽  
Nassir El-Jabi ◽  
Judith Kirby ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Environmental Flows ◽  
Environmental Flow ◽  
Low Flow ◽  
Physical Habitat ◽  
Climate Change Scenarios ◽  
Management Tools ◽  
Water Abstraction ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Through a case study in Southern Quebec (Canada), the assessment of environmental flows in light of the effects of climate change is investigated. Currently, the 7Q2 flow metric (7-day average flow with a 2-year return period) is used for water abstraction management. Several flow metrics were calculated using flow time series simulated by a deterministic hydrological model (HYDROTEL) and climate change scenarios as inputs. Results were compared within homogeneous low flow regions defined using ascendant hierarchical clustering, for the 1990, 2020 and 2050 horizons and annual, summer and winter periods. The impact of each flow metric on the potential availability of physical habitat was analyzed using the wetted perimeter as a proxy. Results indicated that: (1) the increasing non-stationarity of simulated flow data sets over time will complicate the use of frequency analysis to calculate the 7Q2 flow metric; (2) summer low flow values are expected to be lower than winter low flows; and (3) flow-duration curve metrics like the LQ50 (median discharge value of the month with the lowest flow) may become relevant environmental flow metrics by 2050. Results question current water abstraction management tools and permit to anticipate future local and regional issues during low flow periods.

scholarly journals The Influence of Channel Morphological Changes on Environmental Flow Requirements in Urban Rivers

Water ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 1800 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liu Zhang ◽  
Buxian Yuan ◽  
Xinan Yin ◽  
Yanwei Zhao
Keyword(s):  
Flood Control ◽  
Environmental Flows ◽  
Morphological Changes ◽  
Environmental Flow ◽  
Channel Morphology ◽  
Primary Factor ◽  
River Morphology ◽  
Hydrological Connectivity ◽  
Urban Rivers

Previous research on environmental flows (e-flows) of urban rivers usually assumes that the channel morphology is fixed. However, due to the trapping of sediments by weirs, the channel morphology will undergo significant changes. In this research, the influence of channel morphological changes on e-flow requirements is explored in urban rivers. The hydrological connectivity is considered as a primary factor in e-flows, and three hydrological connectivity scenarios (i.e., high, medium, and low) are explored. The Shiwuli River is adopted as the case study. The results show that e-flows are significantly influenced by changes in river morphology. With an increase in siltation depth, the e-flow requirements will decrease. The sensitivity of e-flows to siltation varies among different river segments, especially in those with low weir heights. In addition, the change ratios of e-flows are different under different hydrological connectivity scenarios. Although siltation is beneficial to the satisfaction degree of e-flow supply, it also leads to a decrease in the flood control ability of rivers. The balance between e-flow and flood reduction is also discussed, and river segments are identified that should be the priority when adopting dredging measures.

scholarly journals What to avoid when you are implementing a BSC? From success to failure

2016 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 91-101
Author(s):  
Lucía-Clara Banchieri ◽  
Fernando Campa-Planas ◽  
Maria Victoria Sánchez-Rebull
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Structure ◽  
Balanced Scorecard ◽  
Previous Experience ◽  
Management Tool ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Pilot Test ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
The Balanced Scorecard ◽  
The People

Approximately 20 years after the creation of the Balanced Scorecard (hereinafter BSC), BSC is the sixth most widely used management tool by organizations (Rigby and Biledau, 2011). The aim of this article is to identify the key factors for the implementation of a BSC in organizations. To do so, the authors analyzed two cases BSC implementation: one a success and the other a failure. The findings were classified by the answers to the following questions: What was implemented? Where was it implemented? Who implemented it? How did they implement it? and Why was it implemented? The four key factors for the successful implementation of the BSC identified in this study, which complement the existing literature on this subject, are: previous experience of the people responsible for the project; linking the BSC to available resources; consistency between the organizational structure and the strategy; and finally, carrying out a pilot test. Purpose: Approximately 20 years after the creation of the Balanced Scorecard (hereinafter BSC), BSC is the sixth most widely used management tool by organizations (Rigby and Biledau, 2011). The aim of this article is to identify the key factors for the implementation of a BSC in organizations. Design/methodology/approach: The methodology used for this research was the case study, specifically the “two case” study method (Yin, 2003). The cases were selected as being extremes: one organization that had successfully implemented a BSC, and a company whose implementation failed. The findings were classified by the answers to the following questions: What was implemented? Where was it implemented? Who implemented it? How did they implement it? and Why was it implemented? Findings: The four key factors for the successful implementation of the BSC identified in this study, which complement the existing literature on this subject, are: previous experience of the people responsible for the project; linking the BSC to available resources; consistency between the organizational structure and the strategy; and finally, carrying out a pilot test. Originality/value: The contribution made by this study consists of identifying additional key factors that may affect the success or failure of implementing BSC in an organization

scholarly journals A Comment on Chinese Policies to Avoid Negative Impacts on River Ecosystems by Hydropower Projects

Water ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 869 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miao Wu ◽  
Ang Chen ◽  
Xingnan Zhang ◽  
Michael E. McClain
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Flows ◽  
Rapid Development ◽  
Implementation Process ◽  
Environmental Flow ◽  
Management Tool ◽  
Negative Externalities ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Technical Requirements ◽  
The Government ◽  
Negative Impacts

The rapid economic development of river basins depends on the excessive use of water resources. China experienced a rapid development of hydropower projects in the last two decades and thus faces many ecological and environmental issues, especially in ecologically sensitive areas. Environmental flow is an important management tool that requires attention in the environmental impact assessment of hydropower projects. Environmental flows are of great significance for maintaining river structures and protecting the health of both aquatic ecosystems and human sustainable livelihoods. Although the government authorities have done much work in this area and attempted to consider technical requirements to address the negative externalities of hydropower projects, there are still defects in the basic procedures, calculation methods, and ultimately implementation process from policy to operationalization in terms of environmental flows. The official standards for environmental flows assessment mainly appear in two documents: 1. specification for calculation of environmental flow in rivers and lakes; and 2. code for calculation ecological flow of hydropower projects. This paper reviewed the overarching framework of the two documents and then summarized their fitness in terms of environmental flows implementation in hydropower projects. The research status of environmental flows and future directions for China were also proposed in this paper.

scholarly journals Law of the Landless: The Dalit Bid for Land Redistribution in Gujarat, India

2011 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 141-167
Author(s):  
Topher McDougal
Keyword(s):  
Local Government ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Government Function ◽  
Land Access ◽  
Land Redistribution ◽  
The Face ◽  
Identity Based ◽  
Nested Hierarchy ◽  
Elite Influence

Tenuous land access contributes to food and livelihood insecurity, and fuels conflicts in many rural societies. In such cases, the ability of government legal institutions to structure and ultimately transform the conflict depends not just on the adoption of laws favorable to progressive land redistribution, but also the effective implementation of those laws in the face of elite influence in local government. This paper presents a case study of an identity-based social movement for Outcastes in India (the Navsarjan Trust) struggling to bring about the successful implementation of land redistribution laws in Gujarat, India. I contend the Dalit land movement recognizes outcomes of state policy as products of caste struggles within a nested hierarchy of local government institutions. I argue Navsarjan’s strategy is to modify the strength of links between levels in this hierarchy in order to produce favorable results for the Dalit land rights movement. This strategy explodes the myth of human rights movements as necessarily antagonistic to government function, portraying government rather as a framework that structures social struggle.

scholarly journals Evaluating Mismatches between Legislation and Practice in Maintaining Environmental Flows

Water ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (8) ◽  
pp. 2135
Author(s):  
Jessica Chappell ◽  
Laura German ◽  
S. Kyle McKay ◽  
Cathy Pringle
Keyword(s):  
Puerto Rico ◽  
Stream Flow ◽  
Environmental Flows ◽  
Environmental Flow ◽  
Stream Ecosystems ◽  
Natural Systems ◽  
Water Demands ◽  
Use Efficiency ◽  
Equitable Allocation

Freshwater is essential to human communities and stream ecosystems, and governments strive to manage water to meet the needs of both people and ecosystems. Balancing competing water demands is challenging, as freshwater resources are limited and their availability varies through time and space. One approach to maintain this balance is to legally mandate that a specified amount of stream flow be maintained for stream ecosystems, known as an environmental flow. But laws and regulations do not necessarily reflect what happens in practice, potentially to the detriment of communities and natural systems. Through a case study of Puerto Rico, we investigated whether water management in practice matches legislative mandates and explored potential mismatch drivers. We focused on two governance targets—equitable allocation and water use efficiency—and assessed whether they are enshrined in the law (de jure) and how they manifest in practice (de facto). We also explored agency accountability through identifying agency structure and whether consequences are enforced for failing to carry out responsibilities. Our results indicate there are mismatches between how freshwater is governed by law and what occurs in practice. This study suggests that agency accountability may be necessary to consider when developing environmental flow legislation that will effectively achieve ecological outcomes.

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