ESW-30306 Integrated Watershed Management

Vak

Studiepunten 6.00

Language of instruction:

English

Assumed knowledge on:

HWM-21806 Introduction Hydraulics course

Contents:

This course deals with problems related to watersheds (or catchments) from temperate and tropical zones as the spatial units for water management. In steep sloping tropical watersheds the upstream part is normally used for rainfed agriculture, while in the downstream part both rainfed and irrigated agriculture is found. Erosion in the upstream part will influence the water quality and quantity, which may have a negative impact on the downstream part. Well known problems are sedimentation in reservoirs for power generation, flooding in urban areas, reduced water quality for irrigation, and degradation of ecosystems. In catchments from temperate zones similar relationships exist. Land use planning and water management at the catchment level require a thorough understanding of the relations between upstream and downstream parts. During the lectures of this course the following topics will be dealt with: catchment hydrology, erosion and sediment transport, sectoral water uses, rainfed and irrigated agriculture, land use planning, stakeholder participation, and integrated decision making processes. Three representative catchments will be used for case studies. These catchments of different sizes will represent a temperate zone, a semi-arid zone, and a humid tropical environment. From specific exercise students will learn: a. physical-geographical aspects of catchments, b. quality and quantity of natural resources, c. water demand management, d. data collection and analysis, e. possible policy and management aspects developed in collaboration with stakeholder groups. Several alternatives for policy and management will be developed, taking into account the different interests in the catchment.

Aims:

- to understand environmental interactions between upstream and downstream catchment parts, using available data sources;
- to understand the interdependencies between water use and management at different location in the catchment;
- translation of gained insight in catchment functioning into measures and strategies for the improvement of land and water management;
- understanding participatory decision making processes.

Activities:

- to attend lectures and study lecture notes;
- making assignments to apply course material;
- participating in a case study during which an integrated catchment management plan is developed for a specific river catchment.

Examination:

Written examination.

Literature:

Lecture notes are available at the ESW secretariat, Nieuwlanden, 4th floor. Assignment and case study guidelines will be provided during the course.