Water Resources Management Practices Research Articles

Chlorophyll-a unveiled: unlocking reservoir insights through remote sensing in a subtropical reservoir

Effective water resources management and monitoring are essential amid increasing challenges posed by population growth, industrialization, urbanization, and climate change. Earth observation techniques offer promising opportunities to enhance water resources management and support informed decision-making. This study utilizes Landsat-8 OLI and Sentinel-2 MSI satellite data to estimate chlorophyl-a (chl-a) concentrations in the Nandoni reservoir, Thohoyandou, South Africa. The study estimated chl-a concentrations using random forest models with spectral bands only, spectral indices only (blue difference absorption (BDA), fluorescence line height in the violet region (FLH_violet), and normalized difference chlorophyll index (NDCI)), and combined spectral bands and spectral indices. The results showed that the models using spectral bands from both Landsat-8 OLI and Sentinel-2 MSI performed comparably. The model using Sentinel-2 MSI had a higher accuracy of estimating chl-a when spectral bands alone were used. Sentinel-2 MSI’s additional red-edge spectral bands provided a notable advantage in capturing subtle variations in chl-a concentrations. Lastly, the –chl-a concentration was higher at the edges of the Nandoni reservoir and closer to the reservoir wall. The findings of this study are crucial for improving the management of water reservoirs, enabling proactive decision-making, and supporting sustainable water resource management practices. Ultimately, this research contributes to the broader understanding of the application of earth observation techniques for water resources management, providing valuable information for policymakers and water authorities.

A Sustainable Water Resources Management Assessment Framework (SWRM-AF) for Arid and Semi-Arid Regions—Part 1: Developing the Conceptual Framework

The evaluation of water resources management practices is essential for water usage decisions in regions with limited water resources. The literature provides numerous assessment frameworks, but many ignore the unique characteristics and conditions of some special arid and semi-arid regions, such as the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, which lack any permanent rivers or lakes. Thus, this study, the first in a two-part series, seeks to develop a conceptual Sustainable Water Resources Management Assessment Framework (SWRM-AF). General and particular criteria explain how components and indicators were identified. The conceptual SWRM-AF provided here has four components (environment, economy, society, and infrastructure) and 24 indicators. Almost every indicator has been selected from the literature and is briefly explained and justified. This research presents, possibly for the first time, clear and straightforward directions for evaluating each indicator in colour-coded tables. To create a more holistic framework for arid and semi-arid regions, social indicators like “intervention acceptability” and environmental indicators for assessing the impacts of desalination treatment plants have been added to form a unique framework applicable to such regions. Therefore, the components and indicators of conceptual SWRM-AF could work collectively to aid the process of decision-making. The next phase is validating this framework using a participatory approach.

Integrated modeling of snow-covered areas and hydrological processes in the Larji Sub-Basin, Himachal Pradesh, India, using SRM and SWAT models

Abstract Alpine snow is crucial for the water cycle, as the runoff and environment of arid and semi-arid regions rely entirely on these glaciers. Mountain-fed rivers provides the water for domestic, agricultural irrigation, hydroelectric power, and other uses. Due to climate variability, river catchment flows may shift, causing floods and droughts that will aggravate the economy. This study estimated the SCA using Google Earth Engine (GEE) for the Larji River basin, situated in Himachal Pradesh, from the year 2001 to 2021. The snow cover area (SCA) varies from 0.7–22% in the basin. The present study highlights the effectiveness of cloud computing for assessing trends in snow-cover regions in the basin. Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) snow product (MOD10A1 V6 Snow Cover Daily Global 500m product) is utilized for SCA calculation. This study simulates runoff from the Larji river, using Snow-melt Runoff Model (SRM) and Soil Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) for years (2019-2021). Furthermore, the Coefficient of determination (R2) Coefficient of corelation (r), Nash-Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE) and Kling-Gupta Efficiency (KGE) were used to evaluate the efficacy of models. This study will help the policymakers and stakeholders to carry out the water resource management practices in the study area.

Assessing Nitrate Leaching and Runoff Coefficients in the Dynamic Interplay of Seasonal Crop Biomass: A Study of Surface and Groundwater Nitrate Contamination in the Bilate Cropland Watershed

Effective water resource management and sustainable agricultural practices are contingent upon a thorough understanding of nitrate dynamics. This study investigates the utilization of seasonal average cropland runoff observations to improve the prediction accuracy of nitrate runoff loads to surface water originating from cropping zones. By integrating data from various sources, including seasonal rainfall/runoff observations and cropland parameters, the study explores the complex relationship between crop biomass growth, nitrogen fertilizer application, and seasonal rainfall over cropland. Monthly average observations of cropping zone rainfall/runoff in the cropping zone are analyzed to understand the response of seasonal crop biomass to nitrogen fertilizer application and seasonally calibrated rainfall/runoff in the cropland watershed. The study demonstrates the prototypical runoff observation from cultivated areas and statistically estimates seasonal runoff at downstream stream outlets. This shows a strong correlation with an R² of 0.9742 with a p-value less than 0.001 for seasonal rainfall climate parameters. Seasonal cropland runoff observations from EWX lite are presented for model calibration at downstream outlets, based on regional crop calendars, facilitating the estimation of nitrate loading to surface water and nitrate contamination from cropping zones. The findings reveal distinct cropping zones, particularly zones 5, 6, 11, and 13, which significantly contribute, each exceeding 50 mg/l of leaching load to groundwater. Moreover, more than ten zones surpass the threshold of 50mg/l in nitrate loading to surface water. These quantitative insights provide valuable spatial information regarding nitrate runoff relationships within the watershed, enabling the identification of specific zones with heightened nitrate contributions and offering actionable solutions for promoting sustainable agriculture and refining water resource management strategies

Climate variability, trend, and associated risks: Tana sub-basin, Ethiopia

Abstract The study focused on analyzing the variability and trends of climate parameters in the Tana sub-basin. Various statistical methods and indices were employed to assess precipitation and temperature patterns in the region. The findings indicated a statistically non-significant increasing trend in rainfall across the sub-basin, with values ranging from 1.64 to 5.37 mm/year. In terms of temperature, there was an increasing trend observed, but it was also not statistically significant. The seasonality index ranged between 0.87 and 1.03, indicating different rainfall distribution patterns. In 36.69% of the sub-basin, rainfall occurs in marked seasonal patterns with a long dry season, and the remaining (63.31%) is concentrated in 3 or fewer months, indicating a different rainfall distribution pattern. In addition, the study assessed the precipitation concentration and found that 57.5% of the rainfall data exhibited a strong irregular concentration, 41.5% showed an irregular concentration, and 1% exhibited a moderate concentration. The study underscores the presence of climate variability and trends in the Tana sub-basin, emphasizing the need to align agricultural and water resource management practices with the observed climate variability.

Hydrological responses to historical and predicted land use/land cover changes in the Welmel watershed, Genale Dawa Basin, Ethiopia: Implications for water resource management

Study regionWelmel watershed, Genale-Dawa Basin, Ethiopia. Study focusThis study aimed to analyze the hydrological impacts of land use/land cover (LULC) changes in the Welmel watershed for 1990–2020 and to predict the LULC change impact on the hydrological status in the year 2050. The hybrid land use classification technique for classifying Landsat images; Cellular-Automata Markov (CA-Markov) for prediction of the 2035 and 2050 LULC; and the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) for hydrological modeling were employed in the analyses. New hydrological insights for the regionThe findings revealed that from 1990 to 2020, significant alterations in the hydrological regime occurred due to historical LULC changes in the Welmel watershed, which are expected to continue in the 2035 and 2050 periods. Forest cover loss and expansion of agricultural areas, which occurred from 1990 to 2020, have resulted in increased annual flow (6.18%), wet seasonal flow (10.21%), and surface runoff (25.32%), and reduced dry seasonal flow (6.34%), groundwater flow (17.17%, and evapotranspiration (0.36%). The 2035 and 2050 LULC indicate further increased annual flow, wet seasonal flow, and surface runoff, and reduced dry seasonal flow, groundwater flow, and evapotranspiration. The study also stated the hydrological impacts of the LULC changes at the sub-watershed scales. More noticeable changes in hydrological components have been observed at the sub-watershed scale, mainly associated with the uneven spatial distribution of LULC changes. The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, water resource managers, and local communities in formulating strategies to enhance water resource management practices in the Welmel watershed and similar regions. It could also be for researchers and Academia who can be benefited and it can be used to supplement global goals like Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6): ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

Distinct and combined impacts of future climate and land use change on the flow of river Rwizi in Uganda, East Africa

Abstract Although many studies have assessed the singular impacts of future land use and climate change on river hydrology, few studies have investigated the distinct and combined impacts of land use and climate change on river flows particularly in developing countries faced with a challenge of limited data. This study addressed the aforementioned gap and applied the Soil and Water Assessment Tool and an ensemble of six CORDEX Regional Climate Models under the moderate (RCP4.5) and high (RCP8.5) emission scenarios in the river Rwizi catchment area in western Uganda for the period 2021–2050. The isolated impacts of land use change and the combined impacts showed an increase in future total annual river flows. However, the isolated impacts of climate change showed a reduction in future total annual flow. The influence of land use changes on total annual runoff was more dominant than that of climate change. The results show that climate change is the dominant factor impacting future high-flow quantiles while future annual flow and extreme low-flow variations were attributed mainly to land use changes. These findings point to the need to plan and implement prudent land use and water resource management practices to mitigate associated risks.

Research and application of neural network‐based intelligent water‐saving systems

AbstractCapitalizing on the swift evolution of big data and information technology, conventional water‐saving endeavours have been revamped into ‘smart water‐saving’. This paradigm shift leverages cutting‐edge technologies like neural networks, the Internet of Things (IoT) and advanced sensor systems. These components seamlessly integrate with network infrastructure, mobile systems and sophisticated water‐saving information systems to forge comprehensive smart water‐saving management systems. These systems adeptly amass, process and dissect vast troves of water‐saving data, harmonizing with the requirements of water management authorities and consumers alike. This fusion of technology empowers us to furnish all‐encompassing information services, thereby elevating the standards of water resource management. In summary, the integration of state‐of‐the‐art technology into water‐saving initiatives represents a momentous leap forward in addressing critical water‐related challenges and realizing more efficient, sustainable water resource management practices.

Propagation characteristics of meteorological drought to hydrological drought considering nonlinear correlations - A case study of the Hanjiang River Basin, China

Meteorological drought serves as the precursor to hydrological drought. Clarifying the propagation characteristics from meteorological drought to hydrological drought is crucial for predicting and mitigating this severe natural disaster. In this study, we proposed an assessment framework that integrates both linear and nonlinear methods to characterize the transition from meteorological to hydrological drought in terms of drought response time, effective drought transformation rate, and drought propagation threshold. Utilizing ERA5 land reanalysis data (1951–2022) and focusing on the Hanjiang River Basin in China, we analyzed drought propagation features with and without inter-basin water diversion. Extracted drought event pairs indicate that a more significant meteorological drought does not necessarily result in a more severe hydrological drought, and vice versa, which confirms the nonlinear propagation from meteorological to hydrological drought. The drought response times derived using the linear method are, on average, two months shorter than those derived using the nonlinear method. Inter-basin water diversion will weaken the drought linear correlation while strengthening the nonlinear correlation. When the annual water diversion exceeds 12.0 billion m3, the drought response time will experience a sudden reduction. This research provides a scientific method and reference for basin-scale water resource management and drought mitigation practice.

Implications of uncontrolled water withdrawal and climate change on the water supply and demand gap in the Lake Tana sub-basin

This study evaluates the implications of multiple climatic and non-climatic factors on the water resource of the Lake Tana sub-basin, Ethiopia. The study focuses on three drivers: land use change, irrigation expansion, and climate change (CC), and their impact on the current and future water availability across the sub-basin. The study uses a random forest (RF) machine learning classifier in the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform to detect land use land cover change (LULC) and for mapping the actual irrigated-area. The Climate Hazards Group InfraRed Precipitation and temperature data were used with station data to evaluate the implication of CC on the water availability of Lake Tana sub-basin. The supply-demand relationship was done for Gumara catchment within Tana sub-basin as an experimental site. Based on the LULC analysis, plantation, cropland, bare lands, built-up, and wetland showed an increasing trend, while forest, bush land, and grassland showed a decreasing trend. The increasing rate of crop land in the expense of natural forest, shrub land, grassland may cause runoff/flood, high soil erosion, and lower rate of groundwater recharge. The actual irrigated area mapping analysis shows a widespread irrigation near the Lake Shore and upstream parts of the sub-basin. The climate change analysis shows an increasing trend of potential evapotranspiration during the irrigation period attributed to increase in maximum temperature. The rising of potential evapotranspiration during the irrigation period creates a water shortage in the study and future periods as the crops need more water for growth. The estimated stream flow for Gumara catchment shows an increasing trend for the future period. The supply-demand relationship of the catchment shows an uneven distribution of water in the Gumara catchment both in the current and future periods resulting in unbalance abstraction of irrigation water. The study reveals that climate change, land cover change, and uncontrolled expansion of irrigated land area are likely to increase the unmet demand by increasing irrigation water demand, and this can cause conflict of interest between the users. Therefore, sustainable water resource management practices such as land management practices, and adaptive management of irrigation should be applicable to prevent or reduce the occurrence of conflict over the water demand.

Assessment of groundwater quality in the region of Hjar Nhal for safe drinking water purposes

This study assesses the groundwater quality in the vicinity of the newly established landfill site in the city of Tangier. A total of 8 wells and 2 water sources within a 2-kilometer radius of the landfill were sampled for analysis. The selection of sampling sites was carefully executed, taking into consideration the flow direction and elevation in the study area to ensure representative results. The study focused on the analysis of 11 physicochemical parameters to evaluate the suitability of the groundwater for drinking and irrigation purposes. Notably, the pH measurements at various points (S1, S2, P4, P7, P8) consistently fell within the WHO's recommended range of 6.5-8.5 for safe drinking water. Conductivity values (μS/cm) were well below the limit of 1000 μS/cm at each location, indicating low levels of dissolved ions. Additionally, the TDS levels (ppm) did not exceed the WHO limit of 500 ppm, further confirming water quality that meets international standards. These findings provide valuable insights into the groundwater quality for safe drinking water and irrigation purposes in the area. The results contribute to informed decision-making and sustainable water resource management practices, ensuring the preservation of local water resources in the context of the landfill's environmental impact.

An integrated climate and water resource climate service prototype for long term water allocation in the Upper Yellow River region of China

Water Resourcing in China has historically been a complex issue requiring the ability to deal with regular floods, droughts and diverse water needs. Climate change represents another challenge to this sector, albeit one that is not traditionally considered by water managers. In this sector in China water management is predominantly based on historic, seasonal and annual forecast data while multi-annual and (multi-)decadal data are seldom used. In this paper, we present the co-development of a climate service prototype designed to provide water managers with insights into the impacts of climate change on the Upper Yellow River region for the next century. The paper is an outcome from our project that encouraged water resource planners and water resource managers to utilise long-term climate information to understand the uncertainties and the challenges our changing climate is likely to have in the region. Using an interdisciplinary team and adopting a user-centred, co-production approach, a prototype web-based data visualisation tool was developed. The development of the prototype was based on a design specification constructed from the findings of detailed interviews that allowed it to be developed and tested under SARS-CoV-2 pandemic restrictions that prevented the typical development process to be undertaken. The developed prototype presents climate information and communicates uncertainties regarding climate change in the remainder of the century through data sets that are typically used by the water sector in China in a simple, easy to understand style. Models that estimate river levels under different extraction scenarios and results about estimated river level and flow, and flood risk are also presented. The prototype was shown to be successful, as key messages relating to the impact of climate change and the challenges for water resource management could be effectively communicated through the tool interface. Practical implicationsUnderstanding the impacts of climate change on water resourcing is complicated and multifaceted. There is a need for better data about what water there is and how it is moving around between and within catchments. Estimates of past, present and future climate variables along with historical measurements of river flow can be used to help visualise some of the uncertainties and changes that may happen in the next 50 years. In addition, there is a need to understand changing water demands and water resource management practices. Current water resource management practices are based on historical conditions and assumptions that are less likely to hold true in a more variable and warmer climate. Communicating how future changes will impact future water resourcing is critical to water resources in a changing climate (Belcher et al. 2018).This research outlines the construction of a tool to visualise the impacts of climate change on water availability in part of China that is typically water scarce, using models developed using the Soil Water Assessment Toolkit (SWAT). A model of the Upper Yellow River (UYR) was developed to demonstrate the impact of climate change on river levels in the catchment based on climate variables. The rainfall-runoff model was based on climate predictions from the CMIP5 assessment HadGEM3-GC3.05 climate model and incorporated information about water resource allocations for different administrative regions of the catchment The general climate trend for the region is that it is expected to become significantly warmer. The total amount of precipitation is likely to be about the same, and yet it is expected that overall, the catchment will become significantly drier over time as winter shortens and summer lengthens. The outputs from the model reflect the changes in climate variables. The uncertainties were communicated via a Web based tool. Water resource managers in China helped to coproduce the tool by participating in workshops and providing feedback on prototypes. The workshops helped scientists and water resource managers to communicate about climate change impacts on water resources and water resource management.

Compositional data analysis (CoDA) and geochemical signatures of the terminal complex aquifer in an arid zone (northeastern Algeria)

The Biskra region, one of the arid regions in North-East Algeria, has known remarkable agricultural development, necessitating additional mobilization of groundwater resources, which are almost the only source of water in the region. In the long term, this heavy mobilization may threaten the quantity and quality of groundwater. This study was carried out to gain a better understanding of groundwater quality in the Terminal Complex (TC) aquifer of the Biskra region, to determine the hydrogeochemical processes controlling water mineralization, and further to investigate the suitability of the groundwater for consumption. For this purpose, multivariate statistical analysis, based on compositional data analysis (CoDA), including robust PCA, cluster analysis (HCA), ilr-ion diagram, and correlation analysis as well as graphical approaches, was carried out on the hydrochemical results of forty-four (44) groundwater samples analysed by standard methods. The results showed that most groundwater parameters exceeded WHO-recommended safe limits for drinking water. Robust CoDA revealed three distinct processes controlling groundwater hydrochemistry: the first “carbonate link” [NO3−, HCO3−, pH] at the northern boundary, which was progressively replaced by the second link [Ca2+, Mg2+, SO42−], and the third “mineralization link” [Na+, Cl−, K+, EC, TDS], located on the Outaya, Biskra, Sidi Okba, and El-Houche axes. In addition, around 93% of samples were within the geochemical zone [SO42− +Cl− >CO32-- HCO3−], while only 7% fell within the [CO32− - HCO3−> SO42− + Cl−] zone, with the following chemical facies dominating: Ca–SO4 (52.27%), Ca–Mg–SO4 (22.72%), Na–Cl (20.45%), and Ca–HCO3 (4.56%). The modified water quality index (WQI) revealed five quality classes: excellent (9.10%), good (11.36%), poor (65.90%), very poor (11.36%), and unsuitable quality (2.28%), with an apparent deterioration in water quality from north to south, following the same direction of groundwater flow. Finally, the use of CoDA with isometric log-ratio plotting, for the first time in the study area, has enabled a more thorough and reliable assessment of the processes controlling groundwater quality, which is valuable for rationalizing pumping and can help decision-makers to plan current and future water resource management practices.

The Empirical Influence of Tibetan Plateau Spring Soil Moisture on South Asian Monsoon Onset: A Linear Diagnostic Perspective

Abstract The South Asian high (SAH) location and intensity are linked with the latent heating of the Tibetan Plateau (TP) and Yangtze River basin. The relationship between SAH variability and its impact on South Asian monsoon (SAM) onset is rarely linked with TP soil moisture. This study uses remotely sensed soil moisture and reanalysis products to quantify the relationship between the TP spring (April–June) soil moisture with SAH and SAM onset during 1988–2008. The results show that the TP spring soil moisture and monsoon onset indices are negatively correlated (R < −0.65), whereas the SAH exhibits a significant positive correlation (R ≥ 0.70) with TP soil moisture. The monsoon onset shows a difference of 20–25 days between the early- and late-onset composites. Significant positive (negative) soil moisture anomalies persist over the TP during the early (late) onset followed by positive (negative) LH (SH) anomalies during early (late)-onset composites. The TP thermal forcing exhibited positive anomalies during the early (late)-onset composites implying significant soil moisture control over the diabatic heating, which favors vertical ascent over the eastern plateau. Such a pattern leads to an earlier formation and movement of the SAH toward the Bay of Bengal (BOB) and southwestward of the TP. Before the early and late monsoon onset composites, the SAH pentad evolution drives the lower-tropospheric westerlies/easterlies toward continental SA. In the Indian Ocean the wind shear and transition from prevailing easterlies into westerlies during the pre-onset, onset, and post-onset pentad results in strong/weak ascent affecting the onset timing over the Arabian Sea and continental SA with less influence over the BOB monsoon onset. Significance Statement The Tibetan Plateau heating is one of the key drivers of the Asian monsoon precipitation in the surrounding regions, which has been previously studied in detail. This study explored the Tibetan Plateau spring soil moisture’s effect on South Asian monsoon onset timing. The monsoon onset timing is calculated using changes in wind direction, atmospheric temperature, and relative precipitation magnitude. Results found that the spring soil moisture substantially affects the TP thermal heating and the SA monsoon onset timing and highlights the physical processes leading to changes in the monsoon onset timing. The inclusion of soil moisture in estimating the monsoon onset timing can provide a tangible way of improving our understanding of the monsoon and associated water resources management practices.

Understanding and mitigating water resource decline in the Deli watershed: a comprehensive analysis

Abstract In Indonesia, the common method for determining water resources' carrying capacity in an area has been the comparison of water availability and water demand. However, water resources' carrying capacity constitutes a complex system with interrelated variables that interact and influence one another. This study employs both the System Dynamics and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) approaches, which are subsequently integrated to develop an index that effectively represents the status of the water resources' carrying capacity, to investigate the water resources' carrying capacity in the Deli Watershed, one of the National Strategic River Regions and a raw water supplier for three cities/regencies in North Sumatera Province. The focus is on the quantity of water resources and designing scenarios to address challenges posed by economic and population growth that cause changes in land use. The results indicate that without intervention, the water resources' carrying capacity index declines, reaching a concerning status by 2038; however, integrated programs targeting birth and in-migration rates, domestic water use reduction, and land restoration can lead to a positive trajectory, emphasizing the unique integration of System Dynamics and AHP hold promise for sustainable water resources management practices.

The Urgency of Water Resources Management in Supporting Sustainable Development: Comparisons from Australia and South Africa

Objective: This article reports the identification of water resource management practices that support sustainable development in Indonesia. It also compares Indonesian policies on water resource management to Australia and South Africa. The study reveals the significance of water resource management due to its influence on climate change, population growth, and the increasing demand for domestic and non-domestic water. The study also emphasizes prioritization of water usage with a focus on prioritizing basic needs over business requirements.
  
 Theoretical framework: Water resource management is crucial due to its impact on climate change, population growth, and the increasing demand for domestic and non-domestic water. The utilization of water should be prioritized based on a hierarchical scale, where basic needs take precedence over business requirements.
  
 Method: This study adopts a legal research methodology, obtaining legal sources through a literature review. In addition, a legislative and comparative approach is employed to compare water management regulations and policies in Indonesia, Australia, and South Africa.
  
 Results and conclusion: The study identifies the importance of regulating water resource management. Based on the findings, sustainable water resource management is contingent upon several factors, including a country's natural conditions and the governance framework for water resources. The legal system and the type of government also influence water management planning.
  
 Originality/value: The originality and value of this study lie in its primary focus on water resource management as a supportive instrument for sustainable development, utilizing a comparative study of Indonesia, Australia, and South Africa.

How Does Agricultural Water Resources Management Adapt to Climate Change? A Summary Approach

This editorial paper takes the form of a concise report and delves into a critical and intricate issue essential for the sustainability of agriculture. It centers on the intricate relationship between agri-cultural water resource management and agronomical practices, as well as their ability to adapt to the impacts of climate change while ensuring both the quantity and quality of crop yields. Specifically, this paper serves as a synopsis of how the far-reaching consequences of climate change for water resources impact agricultural production. It also highlights primary adaptation strategies for managing agricultural water resources, as drawn from the existing literature. Such strategies are designed to counteract the potentially adverse impacts of climate change on the rural sector. Fur-thermore, this brief report offers a valuable overview of the 17 selected papers featured in this Special Issue (SI) on Water, published by MDPI. These papers serve as exemplars of cutting-edge approaches to adaptability in water resource management and resilient crop production systems, as these fields attempt to thrive in an ever-changing environmental landscape.

Water Resources Management in Practices at National Pingtung University of Science and Technology Campus

NPUST was the top Taiwan university for the 9th consecutive year on the UI GreenMetric World University Ranking, and placed 27th out of 1,050 schools from 85 countries. This achievement is the result of our commitments to sustainable development. NPUST has been building green transportation for carbon and air pollution reduction, green energy system for effective use of electricity generated by renewable energy, and campus waste water recycling system for the goal of zero discharge. We also implement policies on waste reduction and waste sorting and recycling, as well as encourage planting in school campus. The practice of water resources management is crucial in various aspects that contribute to this sustainable campus. The sustainable management strategies include water consumption management, water conservation and water saving, and water recycling management. In this paper, we are going to share our practical experience in waste water treatment, recycling system set-up, waste water reuse, sustainable development for water resources and how we implement the policies on water saving at campus and spread water resources knowledge. The information is provi

Building Resilience in Jamaica’s Farming Communities: Insights From a Climate-Smart Intervention

Rural farmers, especially those with limited resources, are on the frontline of the climate crisis. In the Caribbean, vulnerability of agri-food systems to climatic disturbances is recognized, but empirical evidence detailing effective adaptation strategies remains patchy. In Jamaica, a combination of challenges—ranging from diminishing availability of arable land and stagnant agricultural innovation to the marginalization of small-scale farming and recurrent climatic shocks—has led to significant agricultural setbacks and socioeconomic distress for local farmers. This case study is based on a synthesis of quantitative and qualitative data derived from a climate adaptation initiative in Peckham, Clarendon, a pivotal agricultural hub in Jamaica. The data acquisition methodologies encompassed livelihood baseline assessments, community engagement surveys, training workshops, and focus group discussions. Synthesis of data from 31 agricultural training sessions and 16 climate-smart agriculture workshops, involving 458 farmers, offers cogent evidence of the initiative’s tangible impacts on the Peckham farming community. The initiative was guided by two core objectives: (1) enhancing food security and rural livelihoods through the implementation of a renewable energy-powered aquaponics framework, and (2) improving land and water resource management practices. To achieve these goals, the Farmer-Field School approach was employed to promote climate-smart agricultural practices and strengthen the institutional capabilities of farming groups. The insights from the assessment underscore the potential of integrated climate-resilient agricultural practices in addressing both economic and environmental challenges faced by rural farmers.

Multi-source remote sensing data and image fusion technology reveal significant spatiotemporal heterogeneity of inundation dynamics in a typical large floodplain lake system

Study regionThe Poyang Lake, which is located on the south bank of the middle-lower Yangtze River basin. The lake is the largest freshwater lake in China, and also a typical floodplain lake in the world. Study focusThe spatiotemporal heterogeneity of inundation dynamics of large floodplain lake system has not been paid enough attention. Based on the reconstructed high spatial and temporal resolution inundation dataset using the image fusion model and multi-source remote sensing data, this study systematically analyzed the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of inundation dynamics in the Poyang Lake- floodplain system. New hydrological insights for the regionIt is found that within the same floodplain lake, the inundated area and inundation frequency in different regions of the lake (the main lake region and the adjacent floodplain region) can have asynchronous intra-annual fluctuation and opposite inter-annual change trend. This is highly related to the hydrological complexity of the lake: the relative impacts of catchment inflow and the Yangtze River varies in different regions across the lake. The stage-area relationship at the central station along the flow direction of the lake has the highest linear correlation, which might provide more accurate estimates of lake surface/volume. In addition, this study highlights the importance of reconstructed high spatial-temporal resolution of remote sensing data for the accurate assessment of inundation dynamics in floodplain lakes. All the results enrich the understanding of complex hydrological regime of large floodplain lakes and are valuable for the practice of water resources management and ecological conservation in such lakes.