Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
may take only a single event to trigger a major loss of biodiversity. This may
even be totally unrelated to the water regime; for example, the event could
be a highly destructive wildfire or pollution event.
In summary, assessments of vulnerability and thresholds of change can
greatly improve the assessment of risks. A basic prerequisite for water resource
planning is having sufficient understanding of the biophysical condition of
the water resource and the ecosystem, its use, and the social, cultural and
economic relationship of the community with the water resource. Modelling
historic patterns that affect river flow and aquifer recharge and using climate
forecasts can provide potential scenarios to use as a basis for planning. An
understanding of risks to achieving benefits and vulnerability can assist
in assessing management options, discussed in Chapter 7. The situational
analysis starts to reveal priority issues and is a basis for setting objectives in
a plan.
