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15 pages, 1243 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ecological Compensation Standard of a Water-Receiving Area in an Inter-Basin Water Diversion Based on Ecosystem Service Value and Public Willingness: A Case Study of Beijing

by Zhuoyue Peng, Hao Wu, Maohua Ding, Min Li, Xi Huang, Rui Zheng and Lin Xu

Sustainability 2021, 13(9), 5236; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13095236 - 7 May 2021

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 2599

Abstract

Ecological compensation has recently gained significant attention as an economic incentive promoting natural resource management. However, there remain several challenges to its application. A key issue is the lack of a method clearly define the standard of ecological compensation. This study established an [...] Read more.

Ecological compensation has recently gained significant attention as an economic incentive promoting natural resource management. However, there remain several challenges to its application. A key issue is the lack of a method clearly define the standard of ecological compensation. This study established an accounting methodology for the ecological compensation standard for the water-receiving area in an inter-basin water diversion in China. Beijing, a major water-receiving area of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project, was used as an example of the application of this approach. First, the evaluation index of ecosystem service value of the water-receiving area was selected, then, emergy theory was used to calculate the increment of ecological service value based on the characteristics of each indicator. The ecological service value due to the project was calculated to be 3.898 billion RMB, while the willingness-to-pay by the public was estimated at 915 million RMB. Therefore, the increment of ecological service value was the highest standard of compensation, and the public’s willingness-to-pay was the lower limit of ecological compensation. The final compensation standard can be determined through negotiation between suppliers and beneficiaries under the leadership of relevant governments and water-transfer authorities. Thus, this study aimed to provide a scientific basis for the construction of diversified ecological compensation mechanisms and promote sustainable development of the region. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Water, Economic Management and Governance Issues)

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21 pages, 5606 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Role of Integrated Approaches in Water Resources Management: Antofagasta Region, Chile

by Ashwani Kumar Tiwari, Enrico Suozzi, Carlos Silva, Marina De Maio and Mariachiara Zanetti

Sustainability 2021, 13(3), 1297; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13031297 - 26 Jan 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 4072

Abstract

Water is essential for the survival of all living beings and plays a significant role in the growth of any country′s economy. At present, water depletion and pollution are a serious challenge due to anthropogenic, geogenic and climate change activities worldwide, including in [...] Read more.

Water is essential for the survival of all living beings and plays a significant role in the growth of any country′s economy. At present, water depletion and pollution are a serious challenge due to anthropogenic, geogenic and climate change activities worldwide, including in Chile. The Antofagasta region is located in northern Chile and is the heart of its mining industry, playing a significant role in the country′s economy. The Antofagasta region′s main challenge is water shortage and contamination. Due to it, the region′s local population is facing major difficulties in obtaining the necessary water for domestic, industrial, irrigation, and other uses. Therefore, a water resources management plan is essential for the region to maintain a sustainable environment. Considering the above points, significant parameters, such as slope, aspect, elevation, hillshade, drainage, drainage density and river basin—maps of the Antofagasta region prepared using the digital elevation model (DEM) data in geographic information system (GIS) environment. Besides, a pollution risk level assessment of the study area′s cities/villages done using GIS application. The important created maps and the identification of pollution risk of cities/villages of the present study could provide significant information to policymakers and help them make a suitable water management plan for the area. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Water, Economic Management and Governance Issues)

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22 pages, 2888 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Causes and Consequences of the Conflict among Agricultural Water Beneficiaries in Iran

by Masoud Bijani, Dariush Hayati, Hossein Azadi, Vjekoslav Tanaskovik and Frank Witlox

Sustainability 2020, 12(16), 6630; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12166630 - 17 Aug 2020

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4162

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the causes and consequences of agricultural water conflicts among agricultural water beneficiaries in the irrigation network of Doroodzan dam, Iran. This research applied mixed-method and descriptive analysis, which was done in two qualitative and quantitative phases. The results [...] Read more.

This study aimed to analyze the causes and consequences of agricultural water conflicts among agricultural water beneficiaries in the irrigation network of Doroodzan dam, Iran. This research applied mixed-method and descriptive analysis, which was done in two qualitative and quantitative phases. The results showed that the causes of water conflicts can be divided into two groups of controllable and uncontrollable factors. The findings revealed that the main causes of agricultural water conflict in the studied area were ‘water scarcity’, ‘drought’, ‘physical structure of the Doroodzan dam irrigation network’, and ‘mismatched size of the irrigation network with Doroodzan dam’s water capacity’ as uncontrollable factors. Furthermore, ‘weakness of governmental water management’, ‘lake for local management of water resources by farmers’, ‘government’s reluctance about farmers’ participation’, and ‘farmers’ reluctance to participate in water management’ were identified as controllable factors. In this study, most of the conditions identified as consequences of water conflicts had ‘socio-economic’ and ‘agro-environmental’ aspects. Finally, based on the findings, a model was designed to determine the causes and consequences of agricultural water conflict. To break the causes and consequences cycle of water conflicts in Iran’s agriculture, the most important solution is shifting from governmentality to governance in water resources management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Water, Economic Management and Governance Issues)

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20 pages, 3100 KiB

Open AccessArticle

SDGs-Based River Health Assessment for Small- and Medium-Sized Watersheds

by Chenyang Xue, Chaofeng Shao and Sihan Chen

Sustainability 2020, 12(5), 1846; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12051846 - 1 Mar 2020

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3107

Abstract

A river health assessment index system was established, focusing on the realistic needs of county sustainable development and the refined management of small- and medium-sized watersheds. The index system takes into consideration the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the vulnerability characteristics [...] Read more.

A river health assessment index system was established, focusing on the realistic needs of county sustainable development and the refined management of small- and medium-sized watersheds. The index system takes into consideration the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the vulnerability characteristics of small- and medium-sized watershed ecosystems and consists of 15 indicators in four areas: clean water, sanitation, the present status of biodiversity and threats to biodiversity. This paper uses the minimum discrimination information principle to construct a dynamic combination-weighting technology composed of a subjective weighting method (document frequency method) and an objective weighting method (entropy weight method). Using the fuzzy matter-element analysis theory, a comprehensive river health assessment technology system was constructed. Baoxing County was chosen as the research area and the results reveal that: (1) Key indicators are the biodiversity index of fish, water use intensity, endemic or indicative species retention, and chemical oxygen demand (COD) emissions. (2) The Euclid approach degree of Baoxing County indicates that the entire river is in a moderate state of health. In the future, towns must take targeted measures to coordinate the relationship between the ecological environment and socio-economic development, and enhancement and releasing must be prioritised. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Water, Economic Management and Governance Issues)

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21 pages, 6848 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Effects of Inter-Basin Water Transfer on Water Flow Condition of Destination Basin

by Dieu Tien Bui, Dawood Talebpour Asl, Ezatolla Ghanavati, Nadhir Al-Ansari, Saeed Khezri, Kamran Chapi, Ata Amini and Binh Thai Pham

Sustainability 2020, 12(1), 338; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12010338 - 1 Jan 2020

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 5351

Abstract

In recent years, the intensification of drought and unsustainable management and use of water resources have caused a significant decline in the water level of the Urmia Lake in the northwest of Iran. This condition has affected the lake, approaching an irreversible point [...] Read more.

In recent years, the intensification of drought and unsustainable management and use of water resources have caused a significant decline in the water level of the Urmia Lake in the northwest of Iran. This condition has affected the lake, approaching an irreversible point such that many projects have been implemented and are being implemented to save the natural condition of the Urmia Lake, among which the inter-basin water transfer (IBWT) project from the Zab River to the lake could be considered an important project. The main aim of this research is the evaluation of the IBWT project effects on the Gadar destination basin. Simulations of the geometrical properties of the river, including the bed and flow, have been performed, and the land cover and flood map were overlapped in order to specify the areas prone to flood after implementing the IBWT project. The results showed that with the implementation of this project, the discharge of the Gadar River was approximately tripled and the water level of the river rose 1 m above the average. In April, May, and June, about 952.92, 1458.36, and 731.43 ha of land adjacent to the river (floodplain) will be inundated by flood, respectively. Results also indicated that UNESCO’s criteria No. 3 (“a comprehensive environmental impact assessment must indicate that the project will not substantially degrade the environmental quality within the area of origin or the area of delivery”) and No. 5 (“the net benefits from the transfer must be shared equitably between the area of origin and the area of water delivery”) have been violated by implementing this project in the study area. The findings could help the local government and other decision-makers to better understand the effects of the IBWT projects on the physical and hydrodynamic processes of the Gadar River as a destination basin. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Water, Economic Management and Governance Issues)

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17 pages, 1182 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Integrated Coastal Zone Management in Continental Ecuador and Galapagos Islands: Challenges and Opportunities in a Changing Tourism and Economic Context

by Carlos Mestanza-Ramón, Maritza Sanchez Capa, Hilter Figueroa Saavedra and Juana Rojas Paredes

Sustainability 2019, 11(22), 6386; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11226386 - 13 Nov 2019

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 8599

Abstract

The objective of the study is to analyze integrated coastal zone management in mainland Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, and to discuss its challenges and opportunities in the face of constant changes in tourism and economic realities. The methodology used is based on [...] Read more.

The objective of the study is to analyze integrated coastal zone management in mainland Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, and to discuss its challenges and opportunities in the face of constant changes in tourism and economic realities. The methodology used is based on the analysis of ten key elements to analyze national coastal management: policies, regulations, institutions, strategies, instruments, information, education, resources, managers, and participation. The main results indicate that Ecuador received support in terms of training and international financing for ICZM, but this has not been sufficient to guarantee correct management, due to a high discontinuity in economic and administrative political factors. All this has harmed the development of tourism and the dynamization of the economy in coastal areas. It is advisable to apply new policies where gastronomic and cultural aspects are strengthened. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Water, Economic Management and Governance Issues)

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23 pages, 1843 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Restrictive Effects of Water Scarcity on Urban Economic Development in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei City Region

by Yuanjie Li, Zhuoying Zhang and Minjun Shi

Sustainability 2019, 11(8), 2452; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11082452 - 25 Apr 2019

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 5719

Abstract

This study provides a scientific assessment of water scarcity in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH) city region and investigates its restrictive effects on urban economic development by quantifying economic loss caused by water scarcity based on an input–output optimization model. The results show that the [...] Read more.

This study provides a scientific assessment of water scarcity in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH) city region and investigates its restrictive effects on urban economic development by quantifying economic loss caused by water scarcity based on an input–output optimization model. The results show that the water scarcity reflected by shadow prices has significant sectoral and regional heterogeneities. Southern Hebei faces the most severe water scarcity in the BTH city region and the situation is worsening. Water scarcity is shown to have a negative impact on the economy of the BTH city region that amounts to CNY 270.02 billion. Hebei has the largest potential economic loss caused by water scarcity, especially in southern Hebei, the potential GDP (gross domestic product) of which is decreased by 6.2%. This study also points out that the water scarcity in the BTH city region is underestimated in terms of actual water prices, and the scarcity of agricultural water use is mostly underestimated. The results contribute to a deeper understanding of the restrictive impact of water scarcity on regional economic development, and thus provide a scientific reference for policymaking in the BTH city region. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Water, Economic Management and Governance Issues)

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Review

Jump to: Research

15 pages, 1902 KiB

Open AccessReview

Lake Atitlan: A Review of the Food, Energy, and Water Sustainability of a Mountain Lake in Guatemala

by Timothy P. Neher, Michelle L. Soupir and Rameshwar S. Kanwar

Sustainability 2021, 13(2), 515; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13020515 - 7 Jan 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 5656

Abstract

This paper summarizes the findings of an extensive review of literature that was conducted to understand the historical state of the food, energy, and water nexus in the Lake Atitlan basin and to recommend incentive-based, long-term sustainable policies to become a significant driver [...] Read more.

This paper summarizes the findings of an extensive review of literature that was conducted to understand the historical state of the food, energy, and water nexus in the Lake Atitlan basin and to recommend incentive-based, long-term sustainable policies to become a significant driver to Guatemala’s tourism industry and GDP growth. The SWAT (Soil and Water Assessment Tool) was implemented in the basin to work towards the goal of simulating nutrient loading. A key conclusion of this review study is for the local population to have advocacy for the “zero wastewater discharge to Lake Atitlan” initiative to bring long-term benefits to lake water quality. One of the recommended policy decisions is to seek external financing from international agencies like the World Bank at low-cost interest (IDA Loans) to implement waste management systems and pay this external debt by putting a small but affordable tax on tourists visiting the lake. Once a culture of zero municipal effluent discharge to Lake Atitlan is adopted by the local population, the livelihood of residents will become sustainable and the standard of living will increase because of improved water and air quality, making Lake Atitlan a haven of tourism for Guatemala and lifting its economy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Water, Economic Management and Governance Issues)

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17 pages, 1897 KiB

Open AccessReview

Malta’s Water Scarcity Challenges: Past, Present, and Future Mitigation Strategies for Sustainable Water Supplies

by Lindsey Hartfiel, Michelle Soupir and Rameshwar S. Kanwar

Sustainability 2020, 12(23), 9835; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12239835 - 24 Nov 2020

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 8124

Abstract

The small Mediterranean country of Malta, an island located between Italy and North Africa, has been facing and will continue to face water stress and scarcity in the coming years, receiving the designation as the most water stressed country in Europe. In the [...] Read more.

The small Mediterranean country of Malta, an island located between Italy and North Africa, has been facing and will continue to face water stress and scarcity in the coming years, receiving the designation as the most water stressed country in Europe. In the past, Malta’s water challenges were centered around water quantity concerns, but in more recent years, the severity of their water stress has been strengthened by the deterioration of the groundwater quality and quantity. Through the over-extraction of their groundwater, saltwater intrusion has steadily occurred into their freshwater aquifer systems, worsening their groundwater quality for both domestic and agricultural purposes. The objective of this paper is to conduct an extensive review on the history of Malta’s water problems and how Malta is working to combat its water scarcity concerns. Additionally, this paper investigates the impact of Malta’s water scarcity on its food and energy security challenges. Our study concludes that while Malta has obstacles to overcome in their pursuit of water security and sustainable development, the future remains hopeful, with several alternatives still available. Some of the alternatives explored in this review include wastewater reuse, increased awareness, use of alternative energy sources, rainwater harvesting, and implementation of nation-wide strategic water policies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Water, Economic Management and Governance Issues)

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