Overall-effective measures for sustainable water resources management in the coastal areas of Shandong Province, China

Abstract

The Huangshui River basin, located in the Northeast of Shandong Province, PR China, is an outstanding example for water conflicts arising from piecemeal action as well as rapid growth of population, industry and agriculture that can only be solved by an integrated water resources management approach. Over-exploitation causes eminent problems for water resources management and agriculture resulting from saltwater intrusion into the groundwater system. The development not only of industry but also of agriculture as the population’s main source of income is seriously impeded by water shortage, and water pollution causes negative consequences for ecology and the people’s quality of life. In order to contribute to a sustainable water management in this region, a joint Chinese-German research project within the IWRM funding priority of BMBF was initiated. The paper introduces the methodological concept developed and major project results for the study area. These include socio-economic analysis, a multi-level decision support system, monitoring concepts and instruments, and concepts for water saving and reuse including pilot projects.