Abstract
The aim of this study is to define a methodology for assessing sustainability at different levels of detail. For the definition of the conditions of sustainability, the approach known as the triple bottom line was used. The study developed concerns the identification of a set of environmental, economic, and socio-institutional indicators and the elaboration of the same in a synthetic analysis index, organized in a hierarchical structure. An index for measuring irrigation sustainability has been built. This index, called the Sustainable Irrigation Index (SII), allows monitoring and assessment of the sustainability of irrigation activities and policies, at various territorial analysis scales, varying from the regional to the agricultural company. We proceeded with the creation of a multi-criteria spatial decision support system (GIS-based). The implementation of the index took place using the GIS IDRISI software. Finally, the index was applied to the concrete case of a Province of the Calabria region
Highlights
The present study fits into a rather significant picture in which the world scenario shows a situation of progressive shortage of water resources
With the aim of directing irrigation management towards sustainability criteria, this study provides a methodology for assessing the sustainability of irrigation resource management at various territorial scales of investigation
The assessment of irrigation sustainability at the first level of analysis is based on the elaboration of the cartographies that only in the overall context can be illustrated in this work
Summary
The present study fits into a rather significant picture in which the world scenario shows a situation of progressive shortage of water resources. Irrigation is essential for agricultural production, the scarcity of water resources represents one of the main limiting factors for economic and civil development and represents a brake on agricultural development worldwide. The increase in the percentage of the population living in urban environments and the spread of habits and hygienic-sanitary structures of high quality will cause, over time, an increase in the water needs per capita. From this point of view, it is essential to implement policies to counter the scarcity of water resources, both from a quantitative point of view, limiting waste and optimizing its taxation with alternative and competing uses, and qualitatively, affecting punctual and widespread sources of investigation
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
