Effective modeling for Integrated Water Resource Management: A guide to contextual practices by phases and steps and future opportunities

Abstract

The effectiveness of Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) modeling hinges on the quality of practices employed through the process, starting from early problem definition all the way through to using the model in a way that serves its intended purpose. The adoption and implementation of effective modeling practices need to be guided by a practical understanding of the variety of decisions that modelers make, and the information considered in making these choices. There is still limited documented knowledge on the modeling workflow, and the role of contextual factors in determining this workflow and which practices to employ. This paper attempts to contribute to this knowledge gap by providing systematic guidance of the modeling practices through the phases (Planning, Development, Application, and Perpetuation) and steps that comprise the modeling process, positing questions that should be addressed. Practice-focused guidance helps explain the detailed process of conducting IWRM modeling, including the role of contextual factors in shaping practices. We draw on findings from literature and the authors' collective experience to articulate what and how contextual factors play out in employing those practices. In order to accelerate our learning about how to improve IWRM modeling, the paper concludes with five key areas for future practice-related research: knowledge sharing, overcoming data limitations, informed stakeholder involvement, social equity and management of uncertainty.

Unpacking the Black Box: Demystifying Ecological Models Through Interactive Workshops and Hands-On Learning

“…The need for numerical ecological models continues growing as scientists are asked to forecast the effects of management actions, anticipate future conditions and understand ecosystems without historical analogs (Carpenter and Turner, 2017). Ecological models are also increasingly integrated across disciplines, modeling traditions, and epistemologies (Voinov and Fishwick, 2019), particularly for multi-objective problems like ecosystem restoration, habitat conservation, and integrated water resource management (Addison et al, 2013;Langsdale et al, 2013;Badham et al, 2019). As models become more ubiquitous, the need for clear, transparent communication strategies are essential for distilling model complexity and achieving consensus from diverse audiences and stakeholders that are involved with the decision-making process.…”

Integrating the Water Planetary Boundary With Water Management From Local to Global Scales

“…Integrated water resources management (IWRM) is a watershed-focused water management framework. Several core principles underlying IWRM and the planetary boundaries overlap: Both frameworks treat different stores of water as inherently interconnected and include land surface processes in the scope of water management (Badham et al, 2019). Since IWRM is designed to be applied at the watershed scale, the water planetary boundary provides a complementary framework for considering water flows that cross watershed boundaries through pathways including the following:…”

“…Second, accounting for scientific uncertainty is a longstanding challenge for water management (Badham et al, 2019;Merz et al, 2015;Poff et al, 2016;Varela-Ortega et al, 2011;Wei et al, 2011). Given the complexities inherent in Earth System dynamics, numerous aleatoric and epistemic uncertainties are embedded in the planetary boundaries framework.…”

A framework for characterising and evaluating the effectiveness of environmental modelling

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