A national research and development blueprint for sustainable lake basin management in Malaysia

The deterioration of water quality in lakes resulting from unsustainable catchment practices requires concerted efforts to address them, in the form of cooperation among government agencies and institutions, private bodies and the community‐at‐large. Research that provides an understanding of a lake's ecosystem is an important aspect of making informed decisions for sustainable management and governance of lakes. The present study describes the findings of literature reviews on Malaysian lakes, and the national efforts made to establish an agenda for lake research and development in Malaysia directed towards integrated lake basin management (ILBM). The main findings and outcomes of the National Lake Research Blueprint workshop in April 2014 on the issues facing lakes and reservoirs are highlighted. Seven research themes were identified, namely (i) ecosystem services and socio‐economic development, (ii) governance, (iii) water quality and pollution, (iv) eco‐hydrology and basin management, (v) biodiversity and natural products, (vi) physical limnology and hydrodynamics and (vii) technology. The goal is to enhance research and development on sustainable lake basin management directed to conservation and development targets. The findings of this study provide an integrated research framework that can support ILBM governance elements (pillars) elsewhere, and to call for researchers to participate in much‐needed research areas.     

The use of models for synthesizing knowledge for integrated lake basin management, and facilitating implementation of the World Lake Vision

Integrated water resources management (IWRM) is becoming increasingly accepted as the most logical and effective means of managing aquatic ecosystems for their sustainable use. Despite efforts to provide practical examples of the application of IWRM, we still lack knowledge on how to best consider and integrate the potentially large quantity of data and information, both scientific and socioeconomic, which must be considered in pursuit of the goal of sustainable water resources. The unique features of (i) an integrating nature; (ii) long water retention time, and (iii) complex response dynamics make the management of lakes and reservoirs particularly difficult to achieve. Although the World Lake Vision has provided substantial management guidance to address some of the complex issues facing lake and reservoir management, additional work directed to analysing the interactions and linkages between the scientific/technical and the socioeconomic components of the sustainability ‘equation’ is needed. This report examines the use of mathematical models as a synthesizing tool in developing and applying management strategies for lakes and reservoirs. The different types of available models, and the criteria that can be used to select the ‘best’ model for a given situation, also are discussed, as is the important role of environmental indicators in the process. A case study focusing on the restoration of Lake Fure in Denmark provides an illustrative example of the application of the approach discussed in this report.     

Lake watershed management: Services,monitoring, funding and governance

This study discusses some insights for adaptive lake management from the perspective of ecosystem services (ES). Based on evidence from 46 advanced Payments for Watershed Services (PWS) projects implemented in 16 developing countries, and an interactive governance interpretation of this evidence, three layers of services for watershed management are distinguished, including (i) ES provided by ecosystems; (ii) land‐water conservation services (CS) provided by upstream citizens; and (iii) intermediary organizing services (OS) provided by watershed management organizations. The three‐layer service perspective indicates the need for management regime shifts regarding monitoring, funding and governance. A multilayer regime shift between monitoring, funding and governance for lake management also is discussed, using a Bolivian PWS scheme as an illustration. It indicates how lake management organizations can provide intermediary OS to coordinate exchanges between upstream payees and downstream payers. Upstream payees provide land‐water CS to obtain supply‐side payments. Land‐water CS improve water‐related ES to enhance downstream land‐water uses. Downstream payers provide demand‐side payments and benefit from better land‐water uses. This study was undertaken to broaden the vision of managing lakes and their watersheds and to guide policymakers, managers and other stakeholders in adopting adaptive management regimes for both locally and globally sustainable development.     

Water resources management and Integrated Water Resources Management implementation in Malawi: Status and implications for lake basin management

Many countries, including Malawi, are implementing integrated approaches for the development, management and use of water and other natural resources. Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) is, arguably, one approach considered helpful in addressing water issues effectively and sustainably. This study assesses the implementation of IWRM in Malawi to the present time, in relation to the five priority areas the country's Integrated Water Resources Management/Water Efficiency (IWRM/WE) Plan (2008–2012) sought to address, as well as the potential benefits of infusing Integrated Lake Basin Management (ILBM) in this approach. Document reviews, key informant interviews, questionnaire surveys and site visits were the employed methods in this analysis. Considering the significant importance of lakes in the country, this study, through application of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats framework, provides insight on how lake basin management issues can best be incorporated within the existing IWRM‐based framework to promote the management and utilization of lakes for sustainable use. While acknowledging the relevance of a holistic approach, the study highlights the importance for the country to ensure that its development agenda is not negatively affected in the course of implementing IWRM.     

Environmental resilience and intergovernmental collaboration in the Pearl River Delta

Abstract

Water resource management is a crucial issue in the rapidly urbanizing Pearl River Delta. Numerous studies have examined transboundary water management, but those focusing on Hong Kong are largely technical, with little consideration for political dynamics or collaboration. This study’s contribution is a systematic analysis of water governance in China’s ‘one country–two systems’ setting. Through interviews and historical analysis, the study applies Ostrom’s Institutional Analysis and Development framework to a setting with political complexity and environmental vulnerability. The principal finding is that cooperation on supply infrastructure reflects a regional interdependence that builds the multiparty trust needed for more strategic governance.     

Eutrophication as a ‘wicked’ problem

Eutrophication, or the enrichment of lakes and reservoirs with plant nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, is an ongoing concern facing human societies around the world. Once thought to have been resolved using engineering approaches such as municipal wastewater treatment and storm water management, the problem of nutrient enrichment not only persists, but even continues to increase, being manifested in harmful algal blooms, limitations on access to safe drinking water supplies, and related concerns associated with fresh water in lakes and reservoirs. The continuing concern surrounding eutrophication fulfils the many attributes of a ‘wicked’ or complex problem facing society. This report reviews seriatim the ten attributes of a wicked problem, and the implications of these attributes for lake and reservoir management are discussed. Recognition of eutrophication as a wicked problem requires site‐specific approaches, based on specific knowledge of individual water bodies, as well as an ongoing commitment to lake and reservoir management to respond to new manifestations of the problems of nutrient enrichment as they continue to be revealed over time.     

长江健康评估与保护实践

长江属于大河水系,生物多样性丰富,其健康状态不仅影响流域经济社会可持续发展,也受到国内外广泛关注。综合国内外河流健康评估理论和实践,讨论适合长江特点的健康评估方法和标准;通过水功能区达标率和鱼类多样性2个指标分析长江水环境和水生态近10多年来的变化情况;最后,总结近几年长江大保护系列行动后长江健康进展情况。分析结果表明:长江健康评估可以根据管理需要划分不同时空尺度;根据资料完整性可以采用单指标或者多指标综合评价方法;随着长江系列保护行动的实施,长江河流型水质持续改善,湖库水质和生物多样性开始稳定,人类过度干扰江湖现象得到遏制,但湖库水质改善和生物多样性恢复还需要长期进行。     

Management of Watersheds and Water Resources Planning

ABSTRACT

Siltation of reservoirs is a consequence of poor management of watersheds. Four case studies have been highlighted in this study to indicate the reasons for increased siltation, such as population growth, deforestation, extensive agricultural operations, cattle grazing and soil erosion. Nizamsagar and Sriramsagar are reservoirs heavily silted due to lack of proper management practices in the watershed. Machkund and Tungabhadra are reservoirs in which siltation has been contained through systematic management of the watersheds. Procedures needed for managing watersheds in water resources projects have been derived based on the four case studies     

Least Economic Cost Regional Water Supply Planning – Optimising Infrastructure Investments and Demand Management for South East England’s 17.6 Million People

This paper presents a deterministic capacity expansion optimisation model designed for large regional or national water supply systems. The annual model selects, sizes and schedules new options to meet predicted demands at minimum cost over a multi-year time horizon. Options include: supply-side schemes, demand management (water conservation) measures and bulk transfers. The problem is formulated as a mixed integer linear programming (MILP) optimisation model. Capital, operating, carbon, social and environmental costs of proposed discrete schemes are considered. User-defined annual water saving profiles for demand management schemes are allowed. Multiple water demand scenarios are considered simultaneously to ensure the supply–demand balance is preserved across high demand conditions and that variable costs are accurately assessed. A wide range of supplementary constraints are formulated to consider the interdependencies between schemes (pre-requisite, mutual exclusivity, etc.). A two-step optimisation scheme is introduced to prevent the infeasibilities that inevitably appear in real applications. The model was developed for and used by the ‘Water Resources in the South East’ stakeholder group to select which of the 316 available supply schemes (including imports) and 511 demand management options (considering 272 interdependencies) are to be activated to serve the inhabitants of South East of England. Selected schemes are scheduled and sized over a 25 year planning horizon. The model shows demand management options can play a significant role in the region’s water supply and should be considered alongside new supplies and regional transfers. Considering demand management schemes reduced overall total discounted economic costs by 10 % and removed two large reservoirs from the least-cost plan. This case-study optimisation model was built using a generalised data management software platform and solved using a mixed integer linear programme.     

Anthropogenic‐induced shifts in salinity and nutrient status of two freshwater tropical lakes in India

An understanding of ongoing changes in salinity and nutrient status, as influenced by anthropogenic forcing factors, is important for integrated lake basin management (ILBM) and conservation of water resources in dry tropical regions. This study analysed a range of water quality attributes, including salinity, nitrate (NO₃^?), ammonia (NH₄ ⁺ ), phosphate (PO₄ ^{3 ?}) and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in two freshwater lakes in Rajasthan, India for three consecutive years (2000–2002). Between‐lake comparisons indicated marked differences in most of the water quality variables. The pH in both study lakes remained above neutral. Water hardness, salinity and concentrations of total dissolved salts (TDS), chlorides, NO₃^?, NH₄⁺, PO₃^3? and DOC were high in Lake Udaisagar, which received inputs from agricultural drainage and urban–industrial releases. The DOC in Lake Baghdara, which drains a woodland catchment, was similar to that for Lake Udaisagar, indicating the role of allochtonous inputs in the build‐up of DOC. The results of this study indicated that increasing human interferences have increased the nutrient concentrations in Lake Udaisagar. This factor, coupled with extended periods of dryness, drives these two freshwater lakes towards a high salinity. This study provides evidence of a human‐induced salinity increase and has relevance for ILBM and for the conservation of freshwater resources in dry regions.     

Analysis of Effective Environmental Flow Release Strategies for Lake Urmia Restoration

Saline lakes have diminished considerably due to large-scale irrigation projects throughout the world. Environmental flow (EF) release from upstream reservoirs could help conserve and restore these lakes. However, experiences from regions lacking environmental legislation or with insufficient water resources management show that, despite EF allocation, farmers tend to use all available water for agriculture. In this study, we employed a new method for designing environmental flow release strategies to restore desiccated terminal lakes in arid and semi-arid regions with intensive cultivation within the catchment. The novelty of the method is that it takes into account farmers’ water use behavior and the natural flow regime in upstream systems to design an optimum monthly EF release strategy for reservoirs. We applied the method to the water resource system of Lake Urmia, once the largest saline lake in the Middle East and now one of the most endangered saline lakes in the world. The analysis showed that the EF released is exploited by lowland farmers before reaching Lake Urmia and that inflow to the lake from some rivers has decreased by up to 80%. We propose a new EF release strategy that requires a considerable change in practice whereby water is released in the shortest possible time (according to reservoir outlet capacity) during the period of lowest irrigation demand in winter. Restoring the lake to minimum ecological level would require 2.4–3.4 km³ EF allocation by different methods of release based on the recent condition (2002–2011) of the lake.     

Dryland lakes1

Dry regions of the world, that is, hyper‐arid to subhumid regions that are mostly warm to hot and so‐called ‘drylands’, cover almost 50% of the total land area. They are inhabited by human populations that are approaching one billion worldwide. Despite low rainfall levels, dry regions have some of the world’s largest lakes and reservoirs. They also have the widest variety of standing water types that include permanent freshwater lakes and reservoirs, temporary freshwater lakes, and permanent and temporary saline lakes. Many characteristics of these waters are different from waters in temperate, better‐watered areas, upon which most limnological knowledge is based. Notwithstanding many economic, scientific, ecological and other values, lakes in drylands are subject to extensive and intensive anthropogenic impacts. Included are almost all those affecting lakes in temperate, tropical and subtropical regions, as well as some impacts more or less confined to dryland lakes, especially salinization. These anthropogenic impacts and their importance have not been fully recognized at national and international levels.     

长江流域片水资源质量评价与趋势分析

通过对长江流域片河流、湖泊、水库及省界水体2003～2017年15 a间的水质监测评价成果进行梳理,分析了流域片水资源质量状况及其变化趋势。分析结果表明:①长江流域片河流水质总体较好,以符合或优于Ⅲ类标准为主,长江干流水质以Ⅲ类为主且总体趋好。②金沙江石鼓以上、雅鲁藏布江等水资源二级区水质良好,但湖口以下干流水系、太湖水系等水域水质相对较差。③流域片近年来废污水排放总量得到了较好的控制,同时,污水处理率也得到了快速提高,对流域水资源质量改善起到了一定的积极作用;流域片湖泊水质总体较差且有恶化的趋势。④水库水质相对较好,以Ⅱ类～Ⅲ类为主,但近年来也存在恶化的风险。⑤湖泊富营养化程度较高,水库富营养化程度相对较低,但近年来流域片湖库均呈现出营养水平从低营养状态向高营养状态变化的趋势。⑥长江流域片省界水体水质以符合Ⅰ～Ⅲ类标准为主。⑦纳入评价范围的水功能区总体达标率在60%左右,其中纳入国务院批复的重要水功能区达标率相对稍高。⑧以目前水功能区达标的水平,要全面达到管理目标、实现流域片水质的根本性好转和全面改善,尚任重道远。     

Carrying capacity and vulnerability of four Asian lakes: A comparative study

To present axes for evaluating the water resources, lake environment and water use in a lake and its watershed, a comparative study was done for four East Asian lakes; lake Kasumigaura (Japan), Lake Laguna (Philippines), Lake Songkhla (Thailand) and Lake Dianchi (China). Two axes were then determined from the relationship between: (1) water use and water supply rate, and (2) water use and water quality. To clarify the meanings ‘carrying capacity’ and ‘vulnerability’, the maximum population density in the lake basin and total nitrogen concentration in the lake water were calculated and discussed to decide the direction of environmentally sound management of the drainage basin.     

Local governance of Gunao Lake,Tikub Lake and Dagatan Lake: Small lakes of the Mount Banahaw–San Cristobal–Malepunyo Corridor,Philippines

Although many lakes in the Philippines are threatened, the effectiveness of their governance has not received sufficient attention to date. This predicament is most severe in regard to small lakes as their localized governance has least been given consideration over the years. Predicated on this observation, this study explores the local governance of three small lakes (Gunao Lake; Tikub Lake; Dagatan Lake) situated between the Mount Banahaw–San Cristobal and Mount Malepunyo area. Specifically, it analyses the role of local governments in managing and developing the small lakes. Using data from interviews, observations and the few existing documents on these lakes, this study contends that the main feature of governance regarding the three lakes is the Municipal Governments’ commitment and determination, which is consequential in their development over time. For Gunao Lake, the failure of the Municipal Government of Dolores to link the development of the lake with the tourism agenda in the Mount Banahaw area has resulted in its lack of tourism development. For Tikub Lake, the consistent push of the Municipal Government of Tiaong for its tourism agenda is key in the incremental improvement and preservation of the lake. For Dagatan Lake, the persistence of the Municipal Government of San Antonio in pursuing the restoration project and searching for a patron to finance the endeavour is crucial in the revival of the lake. Overall, this study highlights the distinct praxis of local governance regarding each of these small lakes, extends scholarship in regard to lake governance and offers a broad template for managing the many existing small lakes in the country.     

Integrated watershed management in Quebec (Canada): a participatory approach centred on local solidarity.

The Quebec Water Policy was launched in November 2002 in support of reform of the water governance. One of the government commitments is to gradually implement watershed-based management for 33 major watercourses located primarily in the St. Lawrence plain. At the local and regional levels, watershed organizations are responsible for implementing integrated management, from a sustainable-development perspective, by preparing a master plan for water (MPW), which will include watercourses, lakes, wetlands and aquifers. These watershed organizations rely on public consultation, as well as local and regional expertise, on the responsibilities for water of the municipalities and regional county municipalities of the territory, as well as those of the ministries and other government agencies. They are also required to observe national priorities regarding protection, restoration, and development of water resources and to comply with relevant guidelines, directives, standards, regulations, and legislation. The role of watershed organizations is to act as planning and consultation tables. Government representatives are present, on the initial process, as the facilitator and for scientific and technical support. They do not have, at this moment, any voting or decisional rights. After two years, integrated water management mobilized water stakeholders on watersheds and they are on their way to initiating their first MPW.     

Nonpoint source reduction to the nearshore zone via watershed management practices: Nutrient fluxes,fate, transport and biotic responses — Background and objectives

Studies that evaluate the linkages between watershed improvement through Best Management Practices (BMPs) and downstream outcomes are few. Water quality of coastal waters is often impacted by soil and nutrient loss from watersheds in agriculture. Mitigation of these impacts is of concern in the Great Lakes, the Finger Lakes Region of New York State, and generally in water bodies of North America. In this issue, we report on hypothesis-based research at the watershed level evaluating the impact of BMPs on mitigation of nonpoint sources of nutrient and soil loss to streams and the nearshore zone of a lake. Specifically, we hypothesize not only reductions in nutrient and soil losses from watersheds but also a resultant decrease in metaphyton (filamentous algae), coliform bacteria, and macrophyte populations in the nearshore at stream mouths draining sub-watersheds where BMPs were introduced. Small experimental sub-watersheds, predominantly in agriculture (> 70%), were selected to ensure that effects on downstream systems would not be confounded by other land use practices often observed in large watershed approaches. In this introductory paper, we provide background information on Conesus Lake, its watershed, and the Conesus Lake watershed project, a large multi-disciplinary study evaluating agricultural management practices. The series of papers in this volume consider the effect of BMPs designed to control nonpoint sources on water chemistry, metaphyton, macrophytes, and microbial populations in the coastal zone of a lake. Ultimately, this volume expands the basic understanding of the ability of BMPs to control nonpoint source pollution while contributing toward the goal of improving water quality of downstream systems including streams, embayments, and the nearshore of large lakes.     

Lakes of Malaysia: Water quality,eutrophication and management

The present study was undertaken to evaluate and verify the water quality status and trophic state of 15 major lakes and reservoirs in Malaysia. The lake water quality assessments were based on the National Water Quality Index (NWQI), while the trophic state assessments were based on Carlson's Trophic State Index (TSI). The findings of this water quality assessment, based on data collected between September and October 2012, indicated that a majority of the lakes were classified as Class II (Clean) waters suitable for recreational use. The results of the trophic state assessments, however, indicated that all of the lakes were eutrophic, meaning they were nutrient‐rich, they could experience algae blooms or macrophyte problems, and they were likely to exhibit poor water quality. Sustainable management measures and strategies are suggested to address the eutrophication problems of Malaysian lakes and reservoirs, with the national responses on lake and reservoir management also being discussed.     

松辽流域水资源综合调控研究进展与四大难题探究

松辽流域是我国重要商品粮基地和重工业基地，也是湿地集中分布区。随着经济社会发展加快和气候变化影响加剧，松辽流域水资源、水环境问题凸显，已危及粮食安全、生态健康和经济增长。面向“保障国家粮食安全，促进生态文明建设，振兴东北老工业基地”等国家重大需求，本文剖析了松辽流域面临的大面积农业灌溉、湿地修复与保护、河流-河口污染治理以及城市多水源供水等四大难题，综述了松辽流域水资源综合调控研究进展，并遵循“节水优先、空间均衡、系统治理、两手发力”新时期治水思路，从基础研究、调控技术、保障措施三方面入手，探究了四大难题的解决途径，旨在充分发挥松辽流域江河湖库连通条件下水资源综合调控作用，提高对城市和农业供水安全的保障能力，促进湿地生态系统的修复与改善，有效治理河流-河口污染，以满足经济社会和生态环境的可持续发展，实现人与自然和谐共生。     

Integrating Stakeholders’ Preferences into Water Resources Management Planning in the Incomati River Basin

Stakeholder participation is a key principle of the integrated water resources management. It is a central issue in planning and decision making processes for the development of suitable water resources management strategies at the river basin level. This study tests a methodology for identifying stakeholders’ preferences regarding water resources management objectives, to incorporate them in the design of water resources management plans at the river basin level. The empirical application of this study focused in Mozambique, on the Incomati river basin. This research applies the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method to evaluate stakeholders’ involvement and participation in the selection of water resources management plans. This research revealed that there are heterogeneities in stakeholders’ individual groups preferences regarding water resources management objectives and the management options of their satisfaction. Furthermore it revealed the potential utility of the AHP methodological framework in facilitating stakeholders’ participation and involvement in planning and decision-making processes for the development of water resources management plans. The application of this approach may improve water governance at the river basin level through higher commitments of stakeholders to the proposed objectives.