A two-stage water allocation strategy for developing regional economic-environment sustainability

Abstract

In this study, a new two-stage stochastic interval-parameter fuzzy programming strategy model is developed for regional economic-environment sustainability, considering the planning and management of water-resources and water-environment systems under uncertainty. The model is capable in addressing the complexity and uncertainties of the water system，which contains the concepts of economics and environment within an optimization framework. The objective of this research is to develop a participatory integrated assessment model, based on the water benefit and water environment security, with an application in the Sanjiang Plain area, China. The methodology intendeds to capture the complexity and scarcity of water management problems, incorporating the relevant sectors, as well as the different levels of water involved in water management decision. The model is applied through maximizing the benefits of water during livelihood, production and ecology. In addition, the model considers the constraints of water quantity and water quality. Then, a variety of decision results are calculated under different conditions of water shortage. The developed method is applied to plan resources management and develop regional environment sustainability. The generated results can assist the decision makers in not only making resources allocation strategies but also gaining insights into the benefit between economic and environment objective.