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Dev Raj Paudyal - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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EXPLORING THE APPLICATION OF VOLUNTEERED GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION TO Catchment Management: A SURVEY APPROACH
ISPRS Annals of Photogrammetry Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences, 2012Co-Authors: Dev Raj Paudyal, Kevin Mcdougall, Armando ApanAbstract:Abstract. The participation and engagement of grass-root level community groups and citizens for natural resource Management has a long history. With recent developments in ICT tools and spatial technology, these groups are seeking a new opportunity to manage natural resource data. There are lot of spatial information collected/generated by landcare groups, land holders and other community groups at the grass-root level through their volunteer initiatives. State government organisations are also interested in gaining access to this spatial data/information and engaging these groups to collect spatial information under their mapping programs. The aim of this paper is to explore the possible utilisation of volunteered geographic information (VGI) for Catchment Management activities. This research paper discusses the importance of spatial information and spatial data infrastructure (SDI) for Catchment Management and the emergence of VGI. A conceptual framework has been developed to illustrate how these emerging spatial information applications and various community volunteer activities can contribute to a more inclusive spatial data infrastructure (SDI) development at local level. A survey of 56 regional NRM bodies in Australia was utilised to explore the current community-driven volunteer initiatives for NRM activities and the potential of utilisation of VGI initiatives for NRM decision making process. This research paper concludes that VGI activities have great potential to contribute to SDI development at the community level to achieve better natural resource Management (NRM) outcomes.
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Spatial information sharing for Catchment Management in Australia
2012Co-Authors: Dev Raj PaudyalAbstract:Spatial information plays an important role in many social, environmental, economic and political decisions and is increasingly acknowledged as a national resource essential for wider societal benefits. Natural Resource Management (NRM) is one area where spatial information can be used for improved planning and decision-making processes. Traditionally, state government organisations and mapping agencies have been the custodians of spatial information necessary for Catchment Management. Recent developments in Information Communication Technology (ICT) tools and spatial technology have provided community groups and grass-root citizens with no prior experience in spatial technology with a new opportunity to collect and manage spatial information. With these opportunities, regional NRM bodies in Australia are collecting a significant amount of property and Catchment scale spatial information. The access and sharing of spatial information between state government agencies and regional NRM bodies is therefore emerging as an important issue for sub-national spatial data infrastructure (SDI) development. The aim of this research is to identify key factors which influence spatial information sharing between state government organisations and regional NRM bodies/Catchment Management authorities within Australia and to formulate strategies to facilitate spatial information sharing and hence support SDI development. The hypothesis is that the spatial information sharing in natural resource Management needs to be improved and that a networked based spatial data infrastructure model may be an appropriate approach. This research explored the theoretical foundation for SDI development and utilised social network theory to explore spatial information sharing arrangements between regional NRM bodies and state government organisations. A mixed method research approach was utilised where a survey and the case study data were collected and analysed sequentially (i e in two phases). The findings from the national survey of NRM bodies and the case study were integrated and interpreted to identify the key factors influencing spatial information sharing and Catchment SDI development in Australia. A national survey of regional NRM bodies investigated the spatial information access, use and sharing arrangements between regional NRM bodies and state government organisations. The results of the survey indicate that the spatial data access policy of state government organisations impacts on spatial information sharing across NRM bodies. The regional NRM bodies have a strong spatial capacity and are emerging as key players in spatial data infrastructure development in the natural resource Management sector. An ongoing issue is the difficulty to locate which organisation holds each type of spatial data and accessing these datasets. Data sharing and spatial information Management is a key area of collaboration and is based on the partnerships with state government organisations or community organisations. An emerging area for collaboration in the NRM sector is knowledge sharing. The case study explored the effectiveness of the Knowledge and Information Network (KIN) project in promoting spatial information sharing arrangements between regional NRM bodies and state government organisations. It identified the role of intermediary organisations and professionals such as the Regional Groups Collective (RGC) and knowledge coordinators as being critical to improving the communication and spatial information sharing across Catchments. Using the mixed method design framework, the key factors which influence spatial information sharing between state government organisations and regional NRM bodies/Catchment Management authorities were classified into six major classes as organisational, economic, policy, legal, cultural and technical. Major strategies were formulated and it is suggested that the adoption and implementation of these strategies can facilitate spatial information sharing and hence SDI development across the natural resource Management sector.
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Assessing spatial information access, use and sharing for Catchment Management in Australia
2011Co-Authors: Dev Raj Paudyal, Kevin Mcdougall, Armando ApanAbstract:Spatial data plays an important role in many social, environmental, economic and political decisions and is increasingly acknowledged as a national resource essential for sustainable development. One of the potential areas where spatial data can make a positive impact is for improved decision making to support Catchment Management. Reliable spatial data infrastructure (SDI) is needed to record the environmental, social and economic dimensions of Catchment Management. By building an appropriate SDI, disparate spatial data can be accessed and utilised to facilitate the exchange and sharing of spatial data between stakeholders across Catchment communities. The aim of this paper is to identify the factors/variables contributing to spatial information access, sharing and use across Catchment Management areas and evaluate the current status of spatial information access, sharing and use among Australian states from a Catchment Management authority perspective. A survey method was used to collect primary data from 56 regional natural resource Management (NRM) bodies responsible for Catchment Management in Australia. Descriptive statistics method was used to show the similarities and differences among Australian states. The key factors which influence sharing and access to spatial information are also explored. We found there is significant for spatial information access, use and sharing to contribute to SDI development.
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Facilitating sustainable Catchment Management through spatial data infrastructure design and development
2009Co-Authors: Dev Raj PaudyalAbstract:This research paper discusses the importance of spatial data and Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) for Catchment Management. It reviews four SDI theories including hierarchical spatial theory, diffusion theory, evolution theory and principal-agent (P-A) theory and discusses their characteristics and potential utilisation for Catchment Management. As Catchment Management issues are characterised by multi-level stakeholder participation in SDI implementation, the theory of hierarchy and the P-A theory may assist in exploring in greater depth the context of building SDI at the Catchment level. Based upon existing SDI theory, it explores a conceptual framework and its implications for more effective development of Catchment-based SDI. The framework which is based upon hierarchical theory, investigates the communitygovernment interaction between various Catchment and administrative/political levels for developing SDI. Such a framework is complex and potentially has many levels. Additionally, the cross-jurisdictional linkages required to implement this framework within the existing administrative/political SDI framework also need to be carefully examined. The framework is explored through a case study of the Murray-Darling Basin in Australia, one of the world’s largest Catchments. The challenges for developing an SDI which effectively supports the decision making within and across this Catchment will be discussed and the potential strengths and weakness of the proposed framework identified in the context of this case study.
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Building SDI bridges for Catchment Management
2009Co-Authors: Dev Raj Paudyal, Kevin Mcdougall, Armando ApanAbstract:This research paper discusses the importance of spatial data and Spatial Data Infrastructure SDI) for Catchment Management. It reviews four SDI theories including hierarchical spatial theory, diffusion theory, evolution theory and principal-agent (P-A) theory and discusses their characteristics and potential utilisation for Catchment Management. As Catchment Management issues are characterised by multi-level stakeholder participation in SDI implementation, the theory of hierarchy and the P-A theory may assist in exploring in greater depth the context of building SDI at the Catchment level. Based upon existing SDI theory, it explores a conceptual framework and its implications for more effective development of Catchment-based SDI. The framework which is based upon hierarchical theory, investigates the community-government interaction between various Catchment and administrative/political levels for developing SDI. Such a framework is complex and potentially has many levels. Additionally, the crossjurisdictional linkages required to implement this framework within the existing administrative/political SDI framework also need to be carefully examined. The framework is explored through a case study of the Murray-Darling Basin in Australia, one of the world's largest Catchments. The challenges for developing an SDI which effectively supports the decision making within and across this Catchment will be discussed and the potential strengths and weakness of the proposed framework identified in the context of this case study.
Armando Apan - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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EXPLORING THE APPLICATION OF VOLUNTEERED GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION TO Catchment Management: A SURVEY APPROACH
ISPRS Annals of Photogrammetry Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences, 2012Co-Authors: Dev Raj Paudyal, Kevin Mcdougall, Armando ApanAbstract:Abstract. The participation and engagement of grass-root level community groups and citizens for natural resource Management has a long history. With recent developments in ICT tools and spatial technology, these groups are seeking a new opportunity to manage natural resource data. There are lot of spatial information collected/generated by landcare groups, land holders and other community groups at the grass-root level through their volunteer initiatives. State government organisations are also interested in gaining access to this spatial data/information and engaging these groups to collect spatial information under their mapping programs. The aim of this paper is to explore the possible utilisation of volunteered geographic information (VGI) for Catchment Management activities. This research paper discusses the importance of spatial information and spatial data infrastructure (SDI) for Catchment Management and the emergence of VGI. A conceptual framework has been developed to illustrate how these emerging spatial information applications and various community volunteer activities can contribute to a more inclusive spatial data infrastructure (SDI) development at local level. A survey of 56 regional NRM bodies in Australia was utilised to explore the current community-driven volunteer initiatives for NRM activities and the potential of utilisation of VGI initiatives for NRM decision making process. This research paper concludes that VGI activities have great potential to contribute to SDI development at the community level to achieve better natural resource Management (NRM) outcomes.
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Assessing spatial information access, use and sharing for Catchment Management in Australia
2011Co-Authors: Dev Raj Paudyal, Kevin Mcdougall, Armando ApanAbstract:Spatial data plays an important role in many social, environmental, economic and political decisions and is increasingly acknowledged as a national resource essential for sustainable development. One of the potential areas where spatial data can make a positive impact is for improved decision making to support Catchment Management. Reliable spatial data infrastructure (SDI) is needed to record the environmental, social and economic dimensions of Catchment Management. By building an appropriate SDI, disparate spatial data can be accessed and utilised to facilitate the exchange and sharing of spatial data between stakeholders across Catchment communities. The aim of this paper is to identify the factors/variables contributing to spatial information access, sharing and use across Catchment Management areas and evaluate the current status of spatial information access, sharing and use among Australian states from a Catchment Management authority perspective. A survey method was used to collect primary data from 56 regional natural resource Management (NRM) bodies responsible for Catchment Management in Australia. Descriptive statistics method was used to show the similarities and differences among Australian states. The key factors which influence sharing and access to spatial information are also explored. We found there is significant for spatial information access, use and sharing to contribute to SDI development.
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Building SDI bridges for Catchment Management
2009Co-Authors: Dev Raj Paudyal, Kevin Mcdougall, Armando ApanAbstract:This research paper discusses the importance of spatial data and Spatial Data Infrastructure SDI) for Catchment Management. It reviews four SDI theories including hierarchical spatial theory, diffusion theory, evolution theory and principal-agent (P-A) theory and discusses their characteristics and potential utilisation for Catchment Management. As Catchment Management issues are characterised by multi-level stakeholder participation in SDI implementation, the theory of hierarchy and the P-A theory may assist in exploring in greater depth the context of building SDI at the Catchment level. Based upon existing SDI theory, it explores a conceptual framework and its implications for more effective development of Catchment-based SDI. The framework which is based upon hierarchical theory, investigates the community-government interaction between various Catchment and administrative/political levels for developing SDI. Such a framework is complex and potentially has many levels. Additionally, the crossjurisdictional linkages required to implement this framework within the existing administrative/political SDI framework also need to be carefully examined. The framework is explored through a case study of the Murray-Darling Basin in Australia, one of the world's largest Catchments. The challenges for developing an SDI which effectively supports the decision making within and across this Catchment will be discussed and the potential strengths and weakness of the proposed framework identified in the context of this case study.
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Spatial data infrastructure for Catchment Management: a case study of Condamine Catchment, Australia
2009Co-Authors: Dev Raj Paudyal, Kevin Mcdougall, Armando ApanAbstract:Catchment Management issues are characterised by multiple stakeholders and multiple goals which cut across traditional as well as administrative boundaries. Although, local government has the extensive local knowledge and experience in Catchment Management, an integrated Management approach is required as different institutions and individuals need to work together towards sustainable Catchment outcomes. There are basically two approaches for Catchment Management: Total Catchment Management (TCM) and Integrated Catchment Management (ICM). In Australia, ICM principle is normally followed for Catchment Management. Spatial information is one of the most critical elements underpinning decision-making for many disciplines and particularly for Catchment decisions. As different organisations under different jurisdictions are working towards the Management of a Catchment, a key problem is the integration of different spatial data having different scale, content and format for multi-stakeholders spatial decision making process. Developing Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) facilitates the exchange and sharing of spatial data between stakeholders. SDI is a portal where each stakeholder can access use and exchange spatial data for social, economic and environmental wellbeing. Australia is recognised internationally as a leader in SDI development and spatial information Management. However, current SDI initiatives focus on SDI development at different political/administrative hierarchies which does not necessarily fit with the Catchment Management arrangements so there is a need to build SDI with a particular understanding of the Catchment Management prospective. This paper discusses SDI and its importance to Catchment Management. It explores the theoretical background for SDI design and development from Catchment Management perspectives. Four SDI hierarchies are investigated from farm enterprises, sub Catchment, Catchment and basin level. The farm enterprise level activities influence the global issues like climate change, sustainable development, environmental protection etc. through building SDI has been discussed. The Catchment SDI research area is identified and the institutional environment including the spatial data requirements for integrated Catchment Management for building SDI is explored taking the case of Condamine Catchment in Southern Queensland, Australia. It concludes that building SDI differently, with a particular understanding of the Catchment Management perspective, will improve natural resources Management including many Catchment decisions.
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Digital elevation model accuracy requirements for Catchment Management
2008Co-Authors: Kevin Mcdougall, Xiaoye Liu, Badri Basnet, Armando ApanAbstract:[Abstract]: Across Australia, recent drought has severely limited water supplies and natural flows in Catchments with impacts being felt across communities, business and government. Understanding the flow and accumulation of water across Catchments is critical to achieving an improved balance in managing and sustaining Catchment resources. Digital elevation models (DEM) are now recognized as a core spatial dataset required for Catchment and water resource Management. However the availability of comprehensive DEMs for Catchments is limited. This paper discusses the importance of digital elevation models to Catchment Management activities and the technologies available to capture DEMs over large areas. These technologies are examined in the context of their suitability for various applications including natural resource Management, flood assessment and Management, asset protection and land planning. Strategies for capturing, managing and utilizing these DEMs for the benefit of Catchment communities are discussed. A case study over the Condamine Catchment was conducted to assess the digital elevation requirements as a function of slope, landuse and floodplain extents. The role of various stakeholders across these Catchments is explored and the collaborative efforts required in realizing the capture of these large spatial data sets is discussed.
Kevin Mcdougall - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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EXPLORING THE APPLICATION OF VOLUNTEERED GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION TO Catchment Management: A SURVEY APPROACH
ISPRS Annals of Photogrammetry Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences, 2012Co-Authors: Dev Raj Paudyal, Kevin Mcdougall, Armando ApanAbstract:Abstract. The participation and engagement of grass-root level community groups and citizens for natural resource Management has a long history. With recent developments in ICT tools and spatial technology, these groups are seeking a new opportunity to manage natural resource data. There are lot of spatial information collected/generated by landcare groups, land holders and other community groups at the grass-root level through their volunteer initiatives. State government organisations are also interested in gaining access to this spatial data/information and engaging these groups to collect spatial information under their mapping programs. The aim of this paper is to explore the possible utilisation of volunteered geographic information (VGI) for Catchment Management activities. This research paper discusses the importance of spatial information and spatial data infrastructure (SDI) for Catchment Management and the emergence of VGI. A conceptual framework has been developed to illustrate how these emerging spatial information applications and various community volunteer activities can contribute to a more inclusive spatial data infrastructure (SDI) development at local level. A survey of 56 regional NRM bodies in Australia was utilised to explore the current community-driven volunteer initiatives for NRM activities and the potential of utilisation of VGI initiatives for NRM decision making process. This research paper concludes that VGI activities have great potential to contribute to SDI development at the community level to achieve better natural resource Management (NRM) outcomes.
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Assessing spatial information access, use and sharing for Catchment Management in Australia
2011Co-Authors: Dev Raj Paudyal, Kevin Mcdougall, Armando ApanAbstract:Spatial data plays an important role in many social, environmental, economic and political decisions and is increasingly acknowledged as a national resource essential for sustainable development. One of the potential areas where spatial data can make a positive impact is for improved decision making to support Catchment Management. Reliable spatial data infrastructure (SDI) is needed to record the environmental, social and economic dimensions of Catchment Management. By building an appropriate SDI, disparate spatial data can be accessed and utilised to facilitate the exchange and sharing of spatial data between stakeholders across Catchment communities. The aim of this paper is to identify the factors/variables contributing to spatial information access, sharing and use across Catchment Management areas and evaluate the current status of spatial information access, sharing and use among Australian states from a Catchment Management authority perspective. A survey method was used to collect primary data from 56 regional natural resource Management (NRM) bodies responsible for Catchment Management in Australia. Descriptive statistics method was used to show the similarities and differences among Australian states. The key factors which influence sharing and access to spatial information are also explored. We found there is significant for spatial information access, use and sharing to contribute to SDI development.
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Building SDI bridges for Catchment Management
2009Co-Authors: Dev Raj Paudyal, Kevin Mcdougall, Armando ApanAbstract:This research paper discusses the importance of spatial data and Spatial Data Infrastructure SDI) for Catchment Management. It reviews four SDI theories including hierarchical spatial theory, diffusion theory, evolution theory and principal-agent (P-A) theory and discusses their characteristics and potential utilisation for Catchment Management. As Catchment Management issues are characterised by multi-level stakeholder participation in SDI implementation, the theory of hierarchy and the P-A theory may assist in exploring in greater depth the context of building SDI at the Catchment level. Based upon existing SDI theory, it explores a conceptual framework and its implications for more effective development of Catchment-based SDI. The framework which is based upon hierarchical theory, investigates the community-government interaction between various Catchment and administrative/political levels for developing SDI. Such a framework is complex and potentially has many levels. Additionally, the crossjurisdictional linkages required to implement this framework within the existing administrative/political SDI framework also need to be carefully examined. The framework is explored through a case study of the Murray-Darling Basin in Australia, one of the world's largest Catchments. The challenges for developing an SDI which effectively supports the decision making within and across this Catchment will be discussed and the potential strengths and weakness of the proposed framework identified in the context of this case study.
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Spatial data infrastructure for Catchment Management: a case study of Condamine Catchment, Australia
2009Co-Authors: Dev Raj Paudyal, Kevin Mcdougall, Armando ApanAbstract:Catchment Management issues are characterised by multiple stakeholders and multiple goals which cut across traditional as well as administrative boundaries. Although, local government has the extensive local knowledge and experience in Catchment Management, an integrated Management approach is required as different institutions and individuals need to work together towards sustainable Catchment outcomes. There are basically two approaches for Catchment Management: Total Catchment Management (TCM) and Integrated Catchment Management (ICM). In Australia, ICM principle is normally followed for Catchment Management. Spatial information is one of the most critical elements underpinning decision-making for many disciplines and particularly for Catchment decisions. As different organisations under different jurisdictions are working towards the Management of a Catchment, a key problem is the integration of different spatial data having different scale, content and format for multi-stakeholders spatial decision making process. Developing Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) facilitates the exchange and sharing of spatial data between stakeholders. SDI is a portal where each stakeholder can access use and exchange spatial data for social, economic and environmental wellbeing. Australia is recognised internationally as a leader in SDI development and spatial information Management. However, current SDI initiatives focus on SDI development at different political/administrative hierarchies which does not necessarily fit with the Catchment Management arrangements so there is a need to build SDI with a particular understanding of the Catchment Management prospective. This paper discusses SDI and its importance to Catchment Management. It explores the theoretical background for SDI design and development from Catchment Management perspectives. Four SDI hierarchies are investigated from farm enterprises, sub Catchment, Catchment and basin level. The farm enterprise level activities influence the global issues like climate change, sustainable development, environmental protection etc. through building SDI has been discussed. The Catchment SDI research area is identified and the institutional environment including the spatial data requirements for integrated Catchment Management for building SDI is explored taking the case of Condamine Catchment in Southern Queensland, Australia. It concludes that building SDI differently, with a particular understanding of the Catchment Management perspective, will improve natural resources Management including many Catchment decisions.
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Building spatial data infrastructure to support sustainable Catchment Management
2008Co-Authors: Dev Raj Paudyal, Kevin McdougallAbstract:Catchment Management is characterised by multiple stakeholders and multiple goals which cut across traditional as well as administrative boundaries. It requires an integrated Management approach as different institutions and individuals work together towards sustainable Catchment outcomes. Spatial data plays an important role in formulating many Catchment decisions. An increasingly problematic issue for Catchment decisions is the availability and access of spatial data. Although the spatial data may be available, they may not be useful due to different standards, content or scale. The importance of spatial data to solving multiple issues concerning Catchment Management creates a growing need to organise data across disciplines and organisations through the development of Spatial Data Infrastructures (SDI). Due to the increasing development of land and natural resources, the Management of rights, restrictions and responsibilities between people and land is becoming an important issue under the Catchment Management domain. This paper discusses SDI and its importance to Catchment Management. The role of Catchment Management authorities is explored and where these groups fit within the SDI development. A case study in Banepa Municipality, Nepal is examined to understand how spatial data infrastructure can assist in Catchment decision making and Management.
Sharon Pollard - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Updating public participation in IWRM: a proposal for a focused and structured engagement with Catchment Management Strategies
Water SA, 2019Co-Authors: Derick Du Toit, Sharon PollardAbstract:Despite the strong emphasis on public participation in the National Water Act (NWA), South Africa has yet to implement a comprehensive and functional approach to public engagement at the level of Water Management Areas. Part of the problem is that actual requirements are not explicitly articulated anywhere. This has led to the situation where public participatory processes are poorly conceptualised, misdirected and often perceived as confusing by stakeholders. ‘Participation fatigue’ is the consequence of this accompanied by a growing frustration with the implementation of the content of the Act. The intention for decentralised democratic water resources Management is consequently seriously jeopardised if the public participation processes are not clearly presented in the public domain. In this paper we draw on a number of sources, namely a national pilot integrated Catchment Management programme called the Save the Sand Project initiated in the north-eastern part of SA, a Water Research Commission project on public participation and a DWAF project that funded the exploration of public participation in the Sand River Catchment. The latter (2005 -2007) supported a better understanding of public participation processes and dynamics in a high-density rural Catchment, the findings from which are reported here. Additionally this paper is referenced against the current discourse on public participation in water resources aimed at elucidating public participation in integrated water resource Management (IWRM) in South Africa. The focus of the work reported in this paper is specifically on the development and implementation of Catchment Management strategies as the locus of decentralised, democratised, participatory water resource Management. In this paper we start out by discussing how complexities surrounding public engagement might present newly established Catchment Management agencies (CMAs) with serious challenges and then move on to a proposed framework for focusing public engagement on specific IWRM tasks. The framework outlines tasks where multi-stakeholder platforms collaboratively design strategic water Management actions that are assembled as the Catchment Management strategy (CMS), a statutory obligation for CMAs. Keywords: public participation, Catchment Management strategies, National Water Act, integrated water resource Management
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Operationalising the new Water Act: contributions from the Save the Sand Project––an integrated Catchment Management initiative
Physics and Chemistry of The Earth, 2002Co-Authors: Sharon PollardAbstract:Abstract The Save the Sand Project is a national pilot project for Integrated Catchment Management and Land Care. Catalysed by the 1992 drought, this initiative arose out of a precarious water security situation in the Sand River Catchment in South Africa. In a fundamental departure form the previous water act, the new Water Act (1998) provided the foundation and framework for adopting a new, integrated approach to water resource Management. In keeping with the main themes of the act, namely water resource protection, equity amongst users and Catchment Management, an ecosystems approach has been adopted towards land and water Management within the Catchment. These include awareness raising, developmental activities, resource protection measures and rehabilitation initiatives. This paper aims to provide an overview of the key elements of the initiative, as well as to provide a critique of integration as the cornerstone of ICM, in order to provide lessons for the future.
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operationalising the new water act contributions from the save the sand project an integrated Catchment Management initiative
Physics and Chemistry of The Earth, 2002Co-Authors: Sharon PollardAbstract:Abstract The Save the Sand Project is a national pilot project for Integrated Catchment Management and Land Care. Catalysed by the 1992 drought, this initiative arose out of a precarious water security situation in the Sand River Catchment in South Africa. In a fundamental departure form the previous water act, the new Water Act (1998) provided the foundation and framework for adopting a new, integrated approach to water resource Management. In keeping with the main themes of the act, namely water resource protection, equity amongst users and Catchment Management, an ecosystems approach has been adopted towards land and water Management within the Catchment. These include awareness raising, developmental activities, resource protection measures and rehabilitation initiatives. This paper aims to provide an overview of the key elements of the initiative, as well as to provide a critique of integration as the cornerstone of ICM, in order to provide lessons for the future.
Jon Brodie - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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advancing land sea conservation planning integrating modelling of Catchments land use change and river plumes to prioritise Catchment Management and protection
PLOS ONE, 2015Co-Authors: Jorge G Alvarezromero, Robert L Pressey, Natalie C Ban, Jon BrodieAbstract:Human-induced changes to river loads of nutrients and sediments pose a significant threat to marine ecosystems. Ongoing land-use change can further increase these loads, and amplify the impacts of land-based threats on vulnerable marine ecosystems. Consequently, there is a need to assess these threats and prioritise actions to mitigate their impacts. A key question regarding prioritisation is whether actions in Catchments to maintain coastal-marine water quality can be spatially congruent with actions for other Management objectives, such as conserving terrestrial biodiversity. In selected Catchments draining into the Gulf of California, Mexico, we employed Land Change Modeller to assess the vulnerability of areas with native vegetation to conversion into crops, pasture, and urban areas. We then used SedNet, a Catchment modelling tool, to map the sources and estimate pollutant loads delivered to the Gulf by these Catchments. Following these analyses, we used modelled river plumes to identify marine areas likely influenced by land-based pollutants. Finally, we prioritised areas for Catchment Management based on objectives for conservation of terrestrial biodiversity and objectives for water quality that recognised links between pollutant sources and affected marine areas. Our objectives for coastal-marine water quality were to reduce sediment and nutrient discharges from anthropic areas, and minimise future increases in coastal sedimentation and eutrophication. Our objectives for protection of terrestrial biodiversity covered species of vertebrates. We used Marxan, a conservation planning tool, to prioritise interventions and explore spatial differences in priorities for both objectives. Notable differences in the distributions of land values for terrestrial biodiversity and coastal-marine water quality indicated the likely need for trade-offs between Catchment Management objectives. However, there were priority areas that contributed to both sets of objectives. Our study demonstrates a practical approach to integrating models of Catchments, land-use change, and river plumes with conservation planning software to inform prioritisation of Catchment Management.
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Catchment Management and Coral Reef Conservation
2011Co-Authors: Clive Wilkinson, Jon BrodieAbstract:This new release aims to assist coastal resource managers in dealing with the problems arriving at the coast from rivers and streams. To date, there has been no guide book for managers. The stimulus was that many coral reef managers reported on problems of sediment, nutrient, pesticide and litter pollution damaging their reefs and they did not know where to start. This 112 page book is an ideal training manual for Catchment (watershed) Management capacity building. It is based on 33 case studies of best practice Catchment Management from 70 authors and 22 countries from Brazil to Thailand.
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Catchment Management and the Great Barrier Reef.
Water Science and Technology, 2001Co-Authors: Jon Brodie, Caroline Christie, Michelle Devlin, David Haynes, S. Morris, M. Ramsay, J. Waterhouse, Hugh YorkstonAbstract:Pollution of coastal regions of the Great Barrier Reef is dominated by runoff from the adjacent Catchment. Catchment land-use is dominated by beef grazing and cropping, largely sugarcane cultivation, with relatively minor urban development. Runoff of sediment, nutrients and pesticides is increasing and for nitrogen is now four times the natural amount discharged 150 years ago. Significant effects and potential threats are now evident on inshore reefs, seagrasses and marine animals. There is no effective legislation or processes in place to manage agricultural pollution. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act does not provide effective jurisdiction on the Catchment. Queensland legislation relies on voluntary codes and there is no assessment of the effectiveness of the codes. Integrated Catchment Management strategies, also voluntary, provide some positive outcomes but are of limited success. Pollutant loads are predicted to continue to increase and it is unlikely that current Management regimes will prevent this. New mechanisms to prevent continued degradation of inshore ecosystems of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area are urgently needed.