Abstract
Socio-hydrological approaches are gaining momentum due to the importance of understanding the dynamics and co-evolution of water and human systems. Various socio-hydrological approaches have been developed to improve the adaptive capacity of local people to deal with water-related issues. In this study, a social-hydrological approach was developed to enhance the water supply resilience in Con Dao Island, Vietnam. We used a water-balance model, involving the Water Evaluation and Planning (WEAP) tool, to conduct a scenario-based evaluation of water demands. In doing so, we assessed the impacts of socio-economic development, such as population growth and climate change, on increasing water demand. The modelling results showed that the existing reservoirs—the main sources to recharge the groundwater (accounting for 56.92% in 2018 and 65.59% in 2030)—play a critical role in enhancing water supply resilience in the island, particularly during the dry season. In addition, future water shortages can be solved by investment in water supply infrastructures in combination with the use of alternative water sources, such as rainwater and desalinated seawater. The findings further indicate that while the local actors have a high awareness of the role of natural resources, they seem to neglect climate change. To meet the future water demands, we argue that upgrading and constructing new reservoirs, mobilizing resources for freshwater alternatives and investing in water supply facilities are among the most suitable roadmaps for the island. In addition, strengthening adaptive capacity, raising awareness and building professional capacity for both local people and officials are strongly recommended. The research concludes with a roadmap that envisages the integration of social capacity to address the complex interaction and co-evolution of the human–water system to foster water-supply resilience in the study area.
Highlights
Introduction conditions of the Creative CommonsSwift global changes, frequent extreme weather conditions along with increasing water demand has significantly impacted the socio-economic development through our coevolution with water [1]
Keeping in mind the limited availability of freshwater resources as well as the fact that one-third of the global population is living in water stress, sustainwell as the fact that one-third of the global population is living in water stress, sustainable able water management is a global challenge of high priority [2]
It is reported that out of this this available little freshwater deposit, half of the global population depends on groundavailable little freshwater deposit, half of the global population depends on groundwater to water meetpotable their potable water demand
Summary
Frequent extreme weather conditions along with increasing water demand has significantly impacted the socio-economic development through our coevolution with water [1]. Keeping in mind the limited availability of freshwater resources as well as the fact that one-third of the global population is living in water stress, sustainwell as the fact that one-third of the global population is living in water stress, sustainable able water management is a global challenge of high priority [2]. It is reported that out of water management is a global challenge of high priority [2]. It is reported that out of this this available little freshwater deposit, half of the global population depends on groundavailable little freshwater deposit, half of the global population depends on groundwater to water meetpotable their potable water demand
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
