Systems methodology for resolving water conflicts: the Zhanghe River water allocation dispute in China

Abstract

This article uses the Graph Model for Conflict Resolution methodology to systematically model and analyze strategic aspects of an existing conflict over the distribution and utilization of water in the Zhanghe River basin in China. This formal systems investigation reveals that a win/win resolution occurs when the downstream provinces of Henan and Hebei agree to cooperate to purchase water at a proper price from the upstream province of Shanxi. This resolution is possible with upgraded infrastructure and with facilitation by the Zhanghe River Upstream Management Bureau. Moreover, an integrated water management system for the entire watershed is recommended.

Water allocation analysis of the Zhanghe River basin using the Graph Model for Conflict Resolution with incomplete fuzzy preferences

“…The water allocation conflict in the Zhanghe River basin, studied in [45,50], is a useful case study to illustrate the applicability of the proposed conflict analysis algorithm. In [45], DMs' preferences are assumed to be crisp. In fact, water allocation is typically a multiple-participant multiple-objective decision problem, and it is difficult to estimate DMs' crisp preferences or even complete FPRs.…”

“…In this study, we propose an algorithm to supplement IFPRs based on additive consistency. To illustrate the usefulness of the incomplete fuzzy preference framework for GMCR, we apply it to a model of a real-world conflict, the water allocation conflict in the Zhanghe River basin (see [45]).…”

An Improved Graph Model for Conflict Resolution Based on Option Prioritization and Its Application

“…In addition, they reconsidered the equilibrium state of simple preferences based on the economic and corporation-reputation orientation of DMs [24]. Chu and Hipel provided a win-win resolution for the Zhanghe River water-allocation dispute in China through GMCR [25]. Li and Han made use of Matrix Representation of the Solution Concept (MRSC), a decision-making system, to analyze credit expansion and concentration based on GMCR [26].…”

Climate change, water management and stakeholder analysis in the Dongjiang River basin in South China

“…However, climate change and its influence on water allocation are still not fully understood (Yang, Scheffran, Qin, & You, 2015). Climate-related water pollution is rarely considered in the basin, as existing practices and research have mostly focused on sewage from industrial, agricultural and domestic sources (Chu, Hipel, Fang, & Wang, 2015). Regarding the significance of climate change impacts on the river system, it is necessary to explore the seasonal and quality-based issues of water allocation in the context of global and regional climate change, especially in rapidly developing areas.…”