Hydrosult

	Study of Carrying Capacity of Water Resources - P.R. China
	*Background* In the course of the National Water Planning, MWR recognised the need for methods to determine the carrying capacity of water resources. To that effect, PRC requested from ADB to provide technical assistance for the study on water resources carrying capacity. A Consortium led by Hydrosult, which included DHI and GIWP, was competitively selected by ADB to conduct the study on a pilot basin for a period of 12 months. *Objectives* - To establish a method to assist decision-making on the Carrying Capacity of river basins. - To implement tools for estimating the different elements of Carrying Capacity: i) A methodology for estimating environmental flows in rivers; ii) Estimates for ecological demands: wet-lands, river habitats, estuaries; iii) Hydrological inputs for surface and ground water; iv) A model for economic projections; v) Relations between economic output and water consumption; vi) Relations between economic output and pollution loads; vii) Methods for estimating water demands; viii) Implementation and calibration of a basin model, based on a GIS representation of the basin; ix) Methods and institutional proposals for resolving trade-offs between economic needs and ecological sustainability. - To integrate the methods and tools in a procedure for decision support. - To demonstrate the methodology by applying it to part of the Haihe basin. - To develop a provisional water resources plan for the selected basin. *Outputs* The outputs of the project constitute a procedure for quantifying the elements defining the carrying capacity of the water resources of a river basin. The integrated set of methods and models are presenting in 2 work-shops for discussion by Chinese and international experts, as well as administrators and stake-holders. Following these exchanges and discussions, the methodology and institutional proposals, together with a review of issues and policies influencing the balance of water use and ecological factors, are to be presented in a final report. The application of the above procedure to a sub-basin representative of the Haihe basin, with the object of demonstrating the applicability of the methods, is to produce a phased water resources development plan for the basin. Needs for training of managers and specialists in the field of integrated water resources management are to be identified, in concert with the Chinese EA and counter-parts. A training programme is to be presented and carried out. Sponsor: Asian Development Bank (ADB) Duration: 2003-2004 Project value: $585 000.00
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Study of Carrying Capacity of Water Resources - P.R. China