human dimensions of water resource management

Understanding of the numerous interconnections and feedbacks between water and humans is critical in any society and the push at many levels to include concepts of integrated water resources management has emphasized this even more. The human dimensions of water bring together important concepts encompassing societal, cultural, and economic interests which affect water use and wastewater management. Some of the most important issues to be addressed at the moment include:

• Meeting the water needs of populations and economic development whilst managing conservation measures
• Behavioural responses to water policies
• Understanding the impacts and responses of water management on different groups within a society,
• Engaging different stakeholder groups in water management development
• Valuing water and its many services
• Understanding impacts of agricultural practice and land use change
• Economic and social aspects of changing climatic and economic conditions
• Water education and awareness raising

The HYDRA consortium has a strong background in developing an understanding of the human dimensions of water. Work has embodied both qualitative and quantitative methods with important inputs from both surveys and modelling techniques. Details on staff with expertise in this field can be found in the directory of expertise or by contacting the champion for this discipline Dr Caroline Sullivan.

Back to expertise home page.