In arid regions, water channels are mostly used for irrigation purposes. Agriculture and tourism benefit from these channels, and biodiversity is expected to increase. Can reactivated water channels function as a model for future sustainable water use, when water will become scarcer in arid alpine valleys?
Background
In arid alpine valleys, meadows are nowadays often irrigated with sprinklers rather than by means of traditional water channels. These modified irrigation methods probably lead to a decrease in the number of animal and plant species in meadows. Mountain forests also suffer from the shutdown of these water channels. In future, water channels can be used to support biodiversity as well as to promote tourism. In former times, water channels were linked to cooperative exploitation rights. Today, these rights have however often been given up and would have to be renewed, if water channels were to be preserved or reactivated.
Aim
This research project aims to demonstrate the ecological and socio-cultural significance of the historical water channels and traditional meadow management. We will study the influences of open water channels on mountain forests and the surrounding vegetation. We will also evaluate the historically-transmitted and often cooperative ownership and exploitation rights. On this basis, we will develop a model for sustainable water use linked to irrigation in arid mountain regions.
Significance
The results are especially important for arid regions with diminishing water resources. A decisional basis will be provided, so that water can be democratically distributed in agriculture, and biodiversity can be maintained. The results could also help to adjust direct agricultural payments.
Original title: Water channels – a model for sustainable water management
Grant: CHF 590’798.-
Duration: 36 months
Project leaders
- Dr. Raimund Rodewald, Stiftung Landschaftsschutz Schweiz
- Prof. Dr. Bruno Baur, Natur-, Landschafts- und Umweltschutz, Universität Basel
- Simon Birrer, Schweizerische Vogelwarte Sempach
- Prof. Peter Knoepfel, Institut de hautes études en administration publique, (IDHEAP), Université de Lausanne
- Dr. Andreas Rigling, Walddynamik, Eidg. Forschungsanstalt für Wald, Schnee und Landschaft WSL