Methodology

Written by Hermann Klug

Saturday, 25 April 2009

The methodological approach includes defining water problems via knowledge exchange, using tools such as questionnaires, measurements, sampling, experiments, modelling, GIS, maps and graphs. Strategies include harmonization of existing databases and development of real-time data transmission system. The methodology is integrated, multi-level, multi-disciplinary and multi-lingual. All partners will communicate at 3 levels: the regional level of the pilot areas, national level via national representatives and Alpine level via synthesis and re-distribution of information to the different partners. The partners then communicate transalpine examples to regional stakeholders to induce concrete actions of water management. Results include exchange of experience of best practice from the Early Warning System for water managers, authorities and governing bodies. Possible investments include water re-use technologies and agricultural crop adaptation.      EXPECTED RESULTS develop a user forum on a transalpine, national and regional level, develop an Early Warning System for Water Scarcity in selected pilot regions, predict water quality change as an effect of decreasing groundwater recharge, apply tools to support decision making, develop transnational concepts of water management that ensures water supply for human uses and preservation of aquatic biodiversity, demonstrate "Best practices" in target areas, exchange of knowledge and experience, create a Handbook for water resources management focused on water scarcity problems for policy makers. publish recommendations and suggestions for resource conflict management as well as mitigation measures for stakeholders end users increase public participation in sustainable water management processes provide recommendations for mountain water regulations The main results will be used by the project observers and also the following, most of which will be part of the Stakeholder Interaction Forum: regional and local authorities and policy makers water agencies, water suppliers, water managers and water authorities agricultural, fishery and forestry institutes, organisations and farmers tourism organisation and enterprises nature protection organisations, NGOS and national parks hydropower companies, cooling water and other industrial users spatial planning authorities These organisations can use the results and baseline data based on the results of demonstration projects for planning and continual monitoring purposes, decision making, early warning system, conflict prevention, optimised use and re-use of water resources and sustainable development. With a soundly interlinked monitoring and modelling network at the transalpine scale, dynamically updated inputs to the Early Warning System will enable a perennial and sustainable operational framework for future predictions of water scarcity. Responsible regional authorities should monitor the sustainability of results by ensuring the active continuation of the Stakeholder Forum, the continuation of important parts of the monitoring networks and the Early Warning System. A spin-off effect of the project is envisaged on the basis of working examples of best practice adapted to Water Scarcity problems. Expected long-term results of the project include economic growth of the regions based on sound water partition and adaptation in sectors including agriculture, hydropower and tourism. The project should provide the basis for hydropower companies to fulfil the environmental criteria for long lasting Green Energy and enhance their competitiveness in the European energy market.

Last Updated ( Saturday, 25 April 2009 )