Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 9.3
Example chain of action/output/objective
Direct measurement of wetland ecosystem condition may be possible, but
might not be useful as far as evaluating the effectiveness of the water resource
plan is concerned because it can be impacted by matters that may be outside the
scope of the water resource plan, e.g. grazing by stock, encroachment of intro-
duced species, etc. This is one of the reasons for good linkages and integration
between agencies responsible for water resource planning and those dealing
with broader catchment matters. Additional studies can confirm whether a
targeted flooding frequency will deliver the expected ecosystem response such
as maintenance of fish or vegetation, all other matters being addressed, then use
the planning provisions to monitor only flood frequency. This, for example, is
applicable to the Murray-Darling Basin in Australia where the Commonwealth
Environmental Water Holder manipulates the amount of water delivered to
certain high priority wetlands, and needs to know whether the costly process
(due to buy-backs and productive opportunity lost) is effective.
Finally, selection of performance indicators will require hard decisions to
be made about what will deliver the most relevant information for answering
evaluation questions, and are at the same time able to be funded and imple-
mented given available skills and resources. It is unlikely that all desired
indicators will be able to be monitored. Careful consideration and analysis as
outlined above can lead to selection of indicators and monitoring that will
deliver the best value for money.
Around the world, there is seldom sufficient funding to undertake all the
monitoring required. Community-based organisations can provide valuable
input, with support of training programmes to ensure consistency and relia-
bility of data over time and among data gatherers. Community monitoring
builds awareness of resource condition and effectiveness of management, and
provides a vehicle for stewardship and adaptive management of the resource.
Some examples follow to illustrate the different ways of implementing and
using such groups for monitoring.
Box 9.2: Waterwatch Australia
Waterwatch Australia is an overarching national volunteer water quality
monitoring and education organisation with separate programmes
in each state. Community groups and schools in collaboration with
