Spatial Imbalance And Institutional Issues Of Water Resources Management In Okinawa,Japan

ABSTRACT

A growing problem of spatial imbalance in the water economy of Okinawa has evolved with the rapid increase in population and income of the island This problem is compounded by the conflict between water institutions and actual practices that have evolved over its history of changing governance. This historical perspective involves the post-World War II reconstruction and water development impacts of the U.S. military during the occupation years (1945–1972) under the U.S. Civil Administration of the Ryukyus (USCAR), and the subsequent reversion of Okinawa to Japan in 1972 followed by thefurtherpromotion of economic development andgrowth under the national laws of Japan. The resulting institutional issues and uncertainties seriously constrain decision making at the planning and operating levels as illustrated in the case of the Hija River Comprehensive Development Plan. The practical value andfeasibility of enforcing water rights based on national level concepts (one-tenth probability drought year discharge and minimum river maintenance flow) must be rationalized with the insular conditions in Okinawa. This is a challengefor water policy in Japan.     

Exposure and resilience of China’s cities to floods and droughts: a double-edged sword

Abstract

China’s rapid urbanization in areas prone to flood or drought events can be seen as a double-edged sword. Urbanization enlarges the population exposed to these hazards, but the resulting socio-economic development also helps build resilience. This article quantifies flood occurrence, drought severity, and related resilience in 81 cities in Mainland China. The extent of flood exposure was notable, both in absolute terms as well as in relation to the drought-prone urban population. China needs to integrate urban flood/drought policy making with sustainable urbanization policy making to best contribute to minimizing flood and drought risks in its cities.     

A methodology to assess drought management as applied to six European case studies

The improvement of future responses to drought requires evaluating past management practices. This article presents a methodology to assess drought management through the analysis of six key policy dimensions. It uses a qualitative approach that combines different sources of information, including both factual data and stakeholders’ perceptions. The assessment is based on a six-case study in Europe having different spatial scales and characteristics, to capture the context-specific nature of response to drought. The results of the assessment help analyze drought management from a risk-management perspective as well as to identify key policy gaps and recommendations.     

Experiences From Indonesia and Malaysia

Abstract

Indonesia and Malaysia are facing serious political and economic problems. In that context, both countries also are striving to implement sustainable water management practices. Selected initiatives of water management from both countries are described and analyzed. The implications of their experiences are considered with reference to concepts of integrated management, participation of users and stakeholders, environmental protection, impacts of water policy, capacity building, external assistance, and emergencies and conflict reduction.     

Man-made Rivers: A New Approach to Water Resources Development in Dry Areas

ABSTRACT

Poor surface and groundwater resources distribution on the national, regional, and global levels has created severe water shortages in several parts of the world. The construction of Man-made Rivers (MMRs) to achieve a more desirable distribution of available water supplies is both technically feasible and economically rational. The Libyan experience with its Great MMR Project is briefly described and its results are introduced as an example to support the above conclusions. Similar future projects may be constructed to serve other water scarcity zones such as the countries of the Middle East, North Africa. and the Southwestern U.S.A.     

Devolving water governance in the Kenyan Arid Lands: from top-down drought and flood emergency response to locally driven water resource development planning

Abstract

The Kenyan Constitution calls for a devolved response to the stewardship of water and other natural resources. A case study based on planners’ experiences illustrates the shift towards a governance approach that is inclusive, integrates available technologies to achieve resilience to both flood and drought, and works across scales from the settlement to the catchment. Devolution is a slow process, and the challenges are many. Recent observations show that increasing local agency in water resource development is helping alleviate drought and flood emergencies. Nevertheless, more concerted action is still needed from the centre.     

Compliance Mechanisms of International Water Agreements

Abstract

This paper reviews two compliance system mechanisms in the context of the U.S.-Mexico boundary waters regime—the international treaty obligations for public access to information and justice. A case study approach is used to analyze and compare the primary legal documents in the system, discussing compliance mechanisms of the international water regime and the free trade based international environmental regime. These two regimes provide important compliance mechanisms to ensure that the States fulfill their obligations to the citizens of their respective countries.     

Developing Countries

Abstract

The use of water for food production accounts for about 75 percent of the total withdrawal in developing countries and is crucial for sustenance. It is also important for addressing poverty and rural development. With developing countries endeavoring to enter the mainstream of development, a formidable challenge in water resources development, resource use efficiency and environmental conservation is faced by these countries, in which management of water for food will continue to remain prominent. A review of the current state of the sector in the developing countries is presented with a brief case study in India for realism. It is clear that although considerable development in the area has occurred, there are serious policy, engineering, environmental and management deficiencies. Approaches for modernisation of the sector are suggested in terms of quantum change in concepts, policies, planning approaches, institutions. and attitudes. Approaches for implementation are proposed     

A Canadian Approach To Drought Monitoring For Famine Relief in Africa

ABSTRACT

Poor water supply is the dominant issue in African agriculture. A project aimed at reducing the impact of drought onfood supply levels in Africa is described. The result was a computer software package for analysis of monthly rainfall records which can be operated on a desktop computer. Referencing of current weather analysis results against historical expectations was a major part of the system design. Another feature was to combine current records with climate normals to project mid-rainy season growing conditions to post-harvest crop estimates. A simple simulation model is used to relate rainfall records to evapotranspirationpotential to generate crop water use and soil moisture reserve estimates. Initial scale of application was the entire African continent, but a downsized version has been produced for Zambia. Similar versions could be produced for other countries. The overall project proposed a multi-disciplinary approach to monitoring, in which the weather based system described here is only one component. Satellite technology is a key link to this system. Other applications of the system include both training and long-term planning as well as crop marketing support.     

Legislating for Adequate Public Participation in Allocating Water in Australia

Abstract

In the mid-1990s Australia embarked on a program of reforms including the introduction of private property rights in water, the allocation of water for the environment, and increased public participation where new initiatives are proposed. Many of the water allocation and management practices adopted in the country have originated from states in the Murray-Darling Basin. This article considers the different approaches taken in NSW, Queensland; and Victoria. In each of these states, public participation has been an evolving process, giving rise to difficulties of a slightly different nature. The article outlines the policy and theory behind public participation and sets out the legal provisions for its inclusion in water planning. It explores the main issues in the implementation of the legislation. The Australian experience suggests that policy makers and legislators did not initially draw upon the extensive research that was in existence on effective public participation. However, changes were made to make the processes more inclusive. Capacity building of participants, independent scientific support, and access to data were some of the most critical factors in effective public participation. Because the public had the opportunity to participate and influence decision making in water allocation, some potential legal conflict was avoided. Of the states examined, Queensland had the best legislative template for public participation although improvements could be made in many areas.     

Decision Making in Multi-jurisdictional River Basins

Abstract

In the Murray-Darling basin in Australia, a management framework has been adopted to permit the different states that control this basin to manage it cooperatively. This framework consists of joint bodies at both the political and technical level. Similar frameworks have been adopted in other multi-jurisdictional river basins, such as the Mekong in southeast Asia. Analysis of a number of case study decisions in the Murray-Darling Basin Initiative reveals a variety of bases upon which decisions may be made, with the process being led by those from both higher up and lower down the decision making hierarchy and that a semi-rational process is generally followed. By establishing a political body to title the co-operative framework, some sort of balance between political and technical considerations is achieved in an environment, which otherwise would risk being dominated by the individual political concerns of the different jurisdictions.     

Impacts of Global Climate Change Scenarios on Water Supply and Demand in Jordan

Abstract

The potential impact of global climate change is one of the least addressed factors in water resources planning in developing countries. The potential impacts of climate change are examined for Jordan, where a methodology is presented for improved management of water demand under the uncertainties associated with climate change. A temperature/precipitation sensitivity model is constructed and combined with water demand forecasts to project deficits for the year 2020. Deficit reducing options are then evaluated in terms of social and economic viability. The study concludes that only some of the deficits may be alleviated, illustrating the significance of considering climate change in planning for countries that already experience water imbalances.     

A Farmer-Friendly Dam Safety Evaluation Procedure As A Key Part of Modern Australian Water Laws

Abstract

The largest dams are generally built and managed by Governments; individual owners build small dams. Over time, many dam safety aspects have changed, such as population distributions, meteorological information, engineering methods and design standards, together with the condition of the dams, raising serious doubts about dam adequacy. For the larger dams response has been to spend vast amounts on remedial works. Unfortunately, only a few countries have developed mature safety assurance schemes for smaller dams: these are comparatively reviewed here identifying elements of “minimum” and “best” practice, and providing policy models and guidelines of “appropriate” practice for varying circumstances. Farmers often overlook common law obligation to review/design dams in line with current standards because of high engineering consulting costs. A cost-effective spillway design/review procedure that is applicable to South Eastern Australia, but is transferable to any other region world-wide, is also reported here: this procedure is integrated with the policy models and guidelines, aiming to minimize cost burdens to dam owners, encourage better dam safety management, and provide an acceptable level of safety assurance to downstream communities.     

Farmers’ perceptions of irrigation and constraints on rice production in Benin: a stakeholder-consultation approach

ABSTRACT

This article examines rice farmers’ perceptions of irrigation and constraints on rice production in the municipality of Malanville, Benin. Farmers’ positive perceptions of irrigation include the use of irrigation for insurance against drought, crop yield improvement, higher income, food security and poverty reduction. Analysis of constraints reveals that farmers face major constraints such as lack of agricultural credit, poor access to production inputs, inadequate knowledge of water resources management, poor access to agricultural information and markets, and flooding of fields. Specific constraints in the irrigation scheme of Malanville include the high cost of irrigation and unavailability of water.     

Water use characteristics and impact factors in the Yellow River basin,China

ABSTRACT

This study focuses on the water use characteristics and impact factors in the Yellow River basin. Water use increased from 1980 to 2000 and then stabilized. Water use in the eight regions of the basin varies significantly in both time and space. Water use in different sectors is sensitive to variations in the irrigation area, industrial added value, efficiency, population and urbanization. Change trends are the results of the joint effects of supply-and-demand relationship and water policy. Water use is insensitive to precipitation, because irrigation mainly relies on river water and groundwater.     

Ecohydrological Landscape Management for Human Well-Being

Abstract

This paper introduces a new perspective on water resources emphasizing the role of water vapor flows for human well-being. The connections between freshwater and ecosystem services in terrestrial environments are addressed, particularly the role of freshwater for the biota that sustains the flow of ecosystem services and the role of the biota that modifies freshwater flows. First, the water dependence of terrestrial ecosystem services and food production are analyzed. Secondly, two examples of unintentional, large-scale, water-mediated cascading effects related to ecosystem services that result from local, uncoordinated decisions in Australia and South Africa are discussed. These two countries are taking the lead in the management of freshwater flows and terrestrial ecosystem services. Issues including potential conflicts of interest and trade-offs between food (or timber) production and ecosystem services at the catchment scale are taken into account. A world-wide, intentional ecohydrological landscape approach to handle these issues is suggested. One important step towards a more integrated approach to freshwater is the development of flexible institutional structures.     

Islamic Water Management

Abstract

Islam offers its followers extensive guidelines on all aspects of life including how they should use and manage the natural environment. This religion's teachings on matters related to, for example, family affairs and inheritance are well developed and widely applied in the Islamic World. However, the hydrological dimensions of Islam are underdeveloped. This paper is a small step towards the development of Islamically-inspired water management principles. It illustrates that the Koran and hadith have relatively elaborate strategies for water conservation and pollution-prevention. The rationale that water management policies need to fit the cultural norms of the affected people guided the approach to this paper. It hence argues that a carefully-calibrated, Islamically-grounded water management policy is likely to lead to wider acceptability and broader compliance by Muslims because it reflects their value system.     

国外雨水管理对我国海绵城市建设的启示

介绍我国海绵城市建设的背景,分析海绵城市建设的必要性,讨论海绵城市建设与雨水管理之间的关系,认为可借鉴日本、美国、澳大利亚以及欧洲一些国家的"低影响开发技术"、"水敏性城市设计"、"绿色基础设施建设"等理念和技术,以及一些雨水管理法规与奖励政策,因地制宜地进行城市排水系统改造、雨水管理信息系统建设等,推进我国海绵城市的建设。     

A framework for understanding energy for water

Abstract

This article offers a framework for understanding how energy is used to meet water demand in countries. Specifically, the relationships between energy use and water scarcity, the location of renewable water resources, and aggregate water demand are explored. The article also examines how policy options such as water price reforms, agriculture subsidies and crop elimination may influence the energy use and energy intensity of water withdrawals. Conclusions suggest that while policy options exist, certain uncontrollable factors such as severe water scarcity or substantial freshwater abundance limit the ability of some countries to significantly improve the aggregate energy efficiency of water provision.