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water EQ3 Flashcards

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1
Q

What are 4 reasons why there is a demand for water

A
  • population growth
    -rising standards of living
    -economic growth
    -irrigation- intensive agriculture
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2
Q

what are 5 key reasons why water supplies are diminishing

A
  • Human activity is the most significant cause of diminishing supplies- mainly related to over abstraction of groundwater supplies for irrigation

-in many countries, groundwater is not considered as an unlimited supplement for water supplies (due to over abstraction groundwater supplies are diminishing- fossil water= cant be regenerated, now relying more on surface water

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3
Q

what are the three main spheres/ factors leading to a water pressure point and need for management.

A

-diminishing supply
-rising demands
-competing demands from users

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4
Q

what comes under the sphere/factor of diminishing supply that leads to water pressure points

A

diminishing supply:

-impact of climate change
-deteriorating quality due to pollution
-impact of competing users, e.g. upstream vs downstream

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5
Q

what comes under the sphere/factor of rising demands that leads to water pressure points

A

rising demands:

-economic development
-population growth

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6
Q

what comes under the sphere/factor of competing demands from users that leads to water pressure points

A

competing demands from users:

-internal conflicts in a basin
-internal issues and upstream and downstream HEP vs irrigation

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7
Q

define water stress

A

when the demand for water exceeds the available amount during a certain period. It refers to people who have access to less than 1700m^3 per capita

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8
Q

define water scarcity

A

when renewable water resources are low. It refers to people within access to water below 1000 m^3 per capita

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9
Q

define physical water scarcity

A

where water availability does not meet water demand in a particular area. Arid regions often face this, such as southern Spain

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10
Q

define economic water scarcity

A

occurs due to lack of investment in infrastructure so people cannot get access to water, or the price of it is at the point where the population cannot afford the amount they need

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11
Q

define water insecurity

A

when a country has inadequate quantities of acceptable water quality for livelihoods, wellbeing and development.

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12
Q

list some physical factors causing water insecurity

A

-ENSO
-changes in glacial/ snowmelt
-less precipitation
-flooding leads to contaminated waters (sewage)
-no groundwater store (fossil water)
-climate change

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13
Q

list some human factors causing water insecurity

A

-economic development- over abstraction
-climate change
-pollution making water stores unusable (industrial, fertiliser, domestic)
-dams and reservoirs
-deforestation- changing transpiration
- potentially= exploitation of fossil water
-for irrigation intensive agriculture
-population increase (natural increase, migration)

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14
Q

what is Brackish water

A

saltwater and freshwater mixing

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15
Q

whats saltwater encroachment

A

the movement of saltwater into freshwater aquifers due to sea level rise, storm surges and/ or human abstraction of groundwater which lowers water tables

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16
Q

give an example of where saltwater encroachment is occurring

A

Its occurring in the Pacific islands, many of these islands depend on small aquifers for their freshwater supply.

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17
Q

saltwater encroachment case study: Pacific islands

how much of Samoa’s water supply is drawn from aquifers, what could this lead to

A

35% of water supply is drawn from aquifiers

this could lead to saltwater intrusion as a result of over-abstraction, climate variability and sea level rise

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18
Q

saltwater encroachment case study: Pacific islands

what factors can lead to saltwater intrusion

A
  • ENSO cycles leading to drought causing more abstraction
    -sea level rise, storm surges and/ or human abstraction of groundwater which lowers water tables
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19
Q

saltwater encroachment case study: Pacific islands

As a result of drought, what has occurred in the Marshall islands

A

due to drought, groundwater withdrawals have tripled leading to serious concerns over saltwater intrusion

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20
Q

saltwater encroachment case study: Pacific islands

What are the impacts?

A

-serious threat to crop production dependemt on freshwater irrigation making saltwater a serious threat to health, food security and livelihoods (e.g. farmers)

-people may have to relocate (e.g. Kiribati and New Zealand)

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21
Q

define desalination

A

desalination is the process that removes salts from saline water in order to make it usable

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22
Q

according to the international water management, how many people face water scarcity?

A

1/3 of all people

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23
Q

Australia and its physical water scarcity?

A

diversion of 1/4 of all water away from murray darling basin for agriculture

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24
Q

Egypt approaching water scarcity?

A

Egypt imports over 50% of its food because of physical scarcity

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25
Q

The Aral sea approaching physical water scarcity?

A

the aral sea faces environmental catastrophe and water scarcity due to human impacts.
there have been recent attempts to reduce impacts of river diversions especially for cotton production

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26
Q

physical water scarcity in china

A

there is severe water scarcity in china leading to the south-north transfer scheme

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27
Q

physical water scarcity in the USA

A

the Ogallala aquifer provides 1/3 of all US irrigation water but is seriously depleted: the water table is dropping by amount 1m/year. As a ‘fossil’ reserve, formed probably from the past glacial meltwater flows, it is effectively a finite resource.

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28
Q

economic water scarcity in Africa (abundant supply but economy is poor)

A

much of sub Saharan Africa suffers from economic scarcity from especially poverty but also lack of infrastructural development
some 1 billion people involved

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29
Q

economic water scarcity in river gagnes

A

physical stress from pollution and over abstraction

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30
Q

what is physical scarcity

A

This occurs when more than 75% of a country’s or region’s blue water (liquid, accessible) flows are being used.
Currently applies to about 25% of the world’s population

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31
Q

what is economic scarcity

A

This occurs when the use of blue water sources is limited by lack of capital, technology and good governance. It is estimated that around 1 billion people are restricted from accessing blue water by high levels of poverty.

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32
Q

Economic development is one of the main drivers of the increasing demand for water; what 3 factors come under this

A

-agriculture
-industry and energy
-domestic use

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33
Q

what fact bolsters the idea that industry and energy deplete water security

A

Just over 20% of all freshwater withdrawals worldwide are for industrial and energy production.

industrial use of water can lead to pollution of water

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34
Q

what led to the Karachi water crisis in Pakistan

A

-a rise in population is increasing demand
-the Hub Dam went dry leaving Karachi with just one water source, the Indus river which is more than 120km away.
-long water transmission routes causes: leakages and water theft (this has accounted for loss of 30% of the citys water supply)
-outdated and inefficient pumping stations
-water pipes are punctured and sold on the black market
-there is no monitoring system to monitor water use and waste

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35
Q

Karachi’s water crisis:
what is occurring to tackle the water crisis

A

-the KWSB is seeking to re-route pipelines to decrease leakages
-a desalination plant has been suggested but but its expensive
-Karachis waterboard is working on a 25.5 billion rupee project which will supply Karachi with water from Keenjhar Lake.

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36
Q

Karachi’s water crisis:
what are negative impacts of the water crisis

A

-water security has led to civil unrest (riots)
- Karachi is the 6th most water stressed city in the world
-a lot of residents earn their livelihood from the water- dependent agriculture sector
-people dont have enough water to wash up after prayer

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37
Q

how has the groundwater been affected in:
-Mexico
-Mexico city
-Arizona
-California

A

-Mexico: pesticides and fertilizer
-Mexico city: ground subsidence
-Arizona: irrigation increases salinity
-California: saltwater intrusion

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38
Q

how has groundwater been affected in:
-Bangladesh
-Pakistan
-NE China

A

-Bangladesh: aquifers overdrawn
-Pakistan: excessive pumping, wells drying out
-NE China: Industrial pollution

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39
Q

whats an atoll

A

a ring shaped coral reef that encircles a lagoon

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40
Q

what does the WPI stand for

A

Water Poverty Index

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41
Q

what are the 3 reasons why the WPI is used

A

-to provide a better understanding of the relationship between the physical extend of water availability, its ease of abstraction and the level of community welfare. ( could provide a better understanding of how to use water resources sustainably)

  • A mechanism for prioritisation of water needs (gov knows what to prioritize in terms of providing availability)

-A tool by which progress in the water sector can be monitored

-

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42
Q

what does a high WPI mean

A

that water poverty is low ( a score of 90 is better than 10)

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43
Q

what does the cost of freshwater depend on

A

-transport cost
-availability
-contamination levels
-management
-level of demand

44
Q

during the 1980s, what did the IMF and the World Bank do for developing countries in terms of water supply

A

During the 1980s, the World Bank and IMF gave loans that required many developing countries to privatise their water supply system in hope that competition would reduce costs. However many of these projects have been cancelled due to public pressure as the price of water became unaffordable for many

45
Q

what 5 measures does the WPI use to measure water insecurity

A
  1. resources- the physical availability of surface groundwater and its quality

2.access- the accessibility of safe water for human use, including domestic, industrial and agricultural use.

3.capacity- the effectiveness of water management to ensure affordability

4.use-the use of water for different purposes, including domestic industrial and agricultural use.

  1. Environment- water management strategies to ensure ecological sustainability
46
Q

which countries have issues with water poverty

A

Haiti and Ethiopia as their water poverty index is low. Haiti has a low score for use (not using water sustainably)

47
Q

why is water demand increasing

A

-due to the growth of the manufacturing industry for emerging and developing countries.
-energy production is water intensive
-A growing population will also increase demand for water

48
Q

why is water so important for wellbeing and social sustainability?

A
  • to aid agriculture and family run businesses which is critical to economic productivity. Sustained economic growth means that there will be better health and infrastructure and savings
49
Q

case study: Denmark
why was there an increase in water price

A

-the dramatic increase in water prices has increased public awareness about saving water.
-high prices deter unnecessary consumption
-to cover the cost for the supply of drinking water, sewage and wastewater treatment

50
Q

what is the reason why California is prone to drought

A
  • California’s agricultural industry sucks up around 80% of the states water
    -severe, extreme and exceptional drought is seen in california
    -california has no major river
51
Q

what was agreed in california for sustainable water use

A

-people in california have to cut water use
-irrigation restrictions have been introduced
-investing in desalination
- Grand Canyon Management act was put in place to make states look at alternatives
-Water Banking Authority established in Arizona

52
Q

what are the 3 players in water management

A
  • The United Nations
    -The EU
    -National government agencies
53
Q

what is the united nations role in water management

A

aims to protect and ensure the quantity, quality and sustainable use of transboundary water resources by helping with cooperation and resolving issues.
the Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) also sets out that water is an integral part of ecosystems, a natural resource and a socio-economic good. Ensures for sustainability and co-ordinated management of water

54
Q

what is the role of the EU in reducing water conflict

A

it has set targets to restore rivers, lakes, canals and costal waters to a good condition- environmental regard

55
Q

whats the role of national government agencies in water management

A

checks compliance with EU frameworks

56
Q

why are California’s supplies threatened?

A

-California has no major river
-Agricultural practices are threatening water supply. (Agriculture sucks up about 80% of the states water)
-groundwater consumption in California cannot be measured yet
-In California, desalination is harder because electricity is costly.
-drought is present here
-Urbanisation, population growth, agricultural needs for irrigation

57
Q

In California what actions and policies were made to reduce conflict and encourage sustainable use?

A
  • An agreement was made for the fair sharing of the Colorado river
    -The United Nations ensures that transboundary water disputes dont occur by allowing fair sharing of water
    -In some areas smart planning has been introduced, this allows building to only occur where supplies are adequate therefore reduces a demand that cant be reached
    -The EU sets targets to restore rivers and required environmental impact
58
Q

The Colorado basin- The sharing of water case study:

A

-Throughout the century, numerous treaties and agreements were needed to allocate “fair shares” of the Colorado’s water to the surrounding 7 US states and Mexico.
-Pressures are now building because population is now higher and rainfall is lower.
-California takes 20% more than its allocation- this was agreed until a new agreement changed this
-it irrigates 1.4 million hectares of farmland

59
Q

what has demand and climate change depleted Colorado’s river basin to ?

A

demand and climate change has depleated storage to 45%

60
Q

assess the success of new agreements for the Colorado river

A

2007 New Agreement: The amount of water available determines the supplies to each state. This ensures that the Colorado river isn’t depleted. However, these water restrictions are generating conflicts.

The Minute 139 agreement: Gives Mexico the right to store some of its Colorado river water in Lake Mead. This allows for water providers to buy this water thus improving Mexico’s infrastructure

61
Q

what are some potential ways in which water can be managed for states

A

-concrete storm drains could redirect and save storm water into urban parks for irrigation

-farms use 80% of California’s water, reducing irrigation by 10% would actually double the amount of water available for urban areas

-If smart planning was introduced, new housing would only be permitted where water supplies are adequate

-re-using waste water from sewage treatment could recharge aquifers

62
Q

what are the main issues related to the Colorado river

A

-Demand and climate change has depleted storage to 48%
-The Colorado river basin has been in persistent drought since 2000.
-Rising populations so rising demand

63
Q

has the Colorado river been successfully managed

A
  • a 2007 agreement led to California reducing the amount it extracts by 20%
    -However signs of conflict have occurred between water producers and users
64
Q

how does water from wetlands provide support for economic, social and environmental wellbeing

A

wetlands reduce the influence of floods and store water to provide fishing and recreation yet half of them have been lost

65
Q

how does water from forested highlands provide support for economic, social and environmental wellbeing

A

forested water recharge aquifers and ensure clean water flows for agriculture, hydropower and other issues

66
Q

how has the Salton sea been degraded

A

evaporation has caused saltwater encroachment. Water that should reach the Salton Sea is being diverted to agriculture, some inflow consists of contaminated groundwater

67
Q

what is transboundary water

A

where a river, lake or aquifer crosses one or more political borders (either a border within a nation, such as a state or province, or an international border)

68
Q

Hoe can transboundary water lead to conflict?

A

-158 of 263 transboundary water basins lack any type of cooperative management framework which can lead to conflict as countries may have different motives and needs for water

69
Q

Hoe can transboundary water lead to conflict?

A

-158 of 263 transboundary water basins lack any type of cooperative management framework which can lead to conflict as countries may have different motives and needs for water

-debate on who gets what and agreements
-river regimes vary over the years
-climate change= futures and uncertainties

70
Q

case study: The river Nile

who uses the water resources

A

11 countries including Egypt, Kenya and Ethiopia

71
Q

case study: The river Nile

what are the tributaries there

A

two major tributaries, the white nile and the blue nile which meet near Khartoum

72
Q

case study: The river Nile

Why is the river so important

A

-it provides water for domestic, industrial and agricultural purposes and is under increasing pressure of population growth, economic development and climate change. Egypt depends on the river Nile for 95% of its water needs.

73
Q

case study: The river Nile

outline the disagreements of the nile

A

-disagreements arising from historic water allocation agreements.
-ambitious dam building plans have the potential to reduce downstream flows.
-a 1929 nile agreement granted significant water allocations to Sudan and Egypt making no allowance for other needs. Downstream regions were angered as water flow could be impeeded

-it was announced in 2011 that the Grand Ethiopia Renaissance Dam was to be built, Egyptians were angry as they dont want any projects on the nile and that it would be disruptive of their livelihood

74
Q

case study: The river Nile

what is the Nile Basin Initiative

A

An effort to enhance the cooperation over the use of the Nile water resources.
This initiated a permanent legal framework for governing the Nile River Basin, with equitable water allocation

75
Q

Ethiopia:
Why is the Gilgel Gibe III Dam controversial?

A

-the Dam will be potentially devastating to downstream populations as it will prevent seasonal floods
-It is estimated that more than 200,000 people rely on the Omo River below the dam for subsidence agriculture.
-negative local and environmental impacts will occur

76
Q

what are the environmental concerns connected to the Gilgel Gibe III Dam?

A

-with the dam in place, seasonal floods wont occur to replenish dry soils for planting.
-loss of biodiversity
-could impact on lake Turkana which is a natural heritage site, the dam could reduce the level of the lake by up to 10 meters, this is why UNESCOs world heritage committee halted the construction of the dam

77
Q

why is the Gilgel Gibe III Dam so important?

A

it became the third- largest hydroelectric plant in Africa.

78
Q

what are the arguments in support of the Gilgel Gibe III Dam

A

-Artificial floods can be released from the reservoir
-irrigation projects have also been planned in the lower Orno Valley which will improve the livelihoods of downstream populations.

79
Q

what are soft engineering approaches

A

more natural approaches, less intrusive. May be more long term

80
Q

what are hard engineering approaches

A

man made- may not be that long term because of maintenance

81
Q

Managing water supplies- Hard Engineering:
_______________________________________________
give an overview of the south-north water transfer project

A

-china has created a hard engineering solution to help distribute water ( 80% of water is in the South ) while half of Chinas population is in the North. The project has the capacity to deliver 25 billion m^3 of freshwater per year to the North.

82
Q

what are the pros of the south-north water transfer project

A

+ ensures that people in the North get a good supply of water
+has the capacity to deliver 25 billion m^3 of freshwater per year to the North.
+ensures there is clean water for drinking and domestic use

83
Q

what are the cons of the south-north water transfer project

A

-very expensive (costs reached US $80 billion in 2015).
-High maintenance
- Social- more than 300,000 people were displaced during the construction of the central route.
-environmental- the transfer of water does not address the underlying causes of water shortages in the North

84
Q

summarise the sustainability of the south-north water transfer project

A
  • extracting water from the Yangtze drainage basin may further reduce discharge levels and could affect river ecosystems.
    -doesn’t fully address water shortages in the north
    -more effective water management in the north should occur instead, reduced dependency on the south
85
Q

Managing water supplies- Hard Engineering:
_______________________________________________
give an overview of the three gorges dam

A
  • Designed to control flooding on the Yangtze, improve water supply by regulating river flow, generate HEP and make the river more navigable.
  • Electricity generated is vital for Chinas growth
86
Q

what are the pros of the three gorges dam

A
  • if a surplus of water builds up it can be diverted to northern China via the south north water transfer project
87
Q

what are the cons of the three gorges dam

A
  • controversial and very expensive
  • the reservoirs water quality is low because of waste from industry
    -1.3 million people have been relocated
88
Q

summarise the sustainability of the three gorges dam

A

-uses renewable energy

89
Q

Managing water supplies- Hard Engineering:
_______________________________________________
give an overview of Israel’s/California’s desalination project

A

-desalination plants provide a reliable and predictable supply of water
-five plants take water directly from the Mediterranean sea

90
Q

what are the pros of Israel’s/California’s desalination project

A

+ aims to provide 70% of Israel’s domestic water supply by 2020
+ produces up to 600 tonnes of potable water per hour

91
Q

what are the cons of Israel’s/California’s desalination project

A
  • each plant requires its own power station and adds CO2 emissions, but much of its energy is solar
    -produces vast amounts of salt/brine which harms ecosystems
92
Q

summarise the sustainability of Israel’s/California’s desalination project

A

-plants release CO2 which contribute towards the greenhouse effect and climate change

93
Q

Managing water supplies: sustainable schemes
_________________________________________________

What is smart irrigation and where does it happen?

A

-smart irrigation provides crops with a suboptimal water supply causing mild stress during crop growth stages that are less sensitive to moisture deficiency. This conserves water without a significant reduction in yield.
- Seen to occur in China and Australia.

94
Q

what are the pros of smart irrigation

A

+winter wheat production in the North China plains showed water savings of 25% or more
+ In Australia, smart irrigation of fruit trees increased water production by 60% with a gain in fruit quality and no loss in yield

95
Q

what are the cons of smart irrigation

A

-may be costly to implement

96
Q

summarise the sustainability of smart irrigation

A

-highly sustainable as it ensures that water isn’t wasted
-controlled irrigation prevents evaporation losses

97
Q

managing water supplies- sustainable schemes
_________________________________________________
give an overview of rainwater harvesting

A
  • Water aid is an international non-governmental organisation that raises funds to improve access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene for some of the worlds poorest people
  • Can be seen in Uganda
  • local builders have been trained in the construction of rainwater harvesting jars
98
Q

what are the pros of rainwater harvesting

A

+water jars have a long life, and once constructed can provide a stable water source
+jars have the capacity of 1,500 litres to collect rainwater from roofs
+help the community
+removes the need for people travelling long distances for people walking for water

99
Q

what are the cons of rainwater harvesting

A

-poorer countries are dependent on NGOs such as water aid for improvements in access to safe water

100
Q

summarise the sustainability of rainwater harvesting

A

the water jars are made from locally available materials

101
Q

what scale does the UN operate at?

A

the UN operates at a global scale
(they are an IGO)

102
Q

what type of player is the EU

A

the EU is a regional player

103
Q

what type of player are national government agencies

A

national players

104
Q

what are the Berlin Ruel’s on Water Resources

A

the rules outline international law relating to freshwater resources within a nation and crossing international borders. There are nine water management principles.

they aim to reduce conflict

105
Q

what are the nine berlin rules on water resources

A
  1. Participatory water management- the public have the right to be involved in decision making
  2. Coordinated use- surface water & groundwater resources to be managed to maximise the availability and reliability of water supplies.
  3. Integrated management- all components of the drainage basin to be considered, such as vegetation, watercourses, settlements and all stakeholders

4.Sustainability- economic, social and environmental needs to be met, now and in the future

  1. Minimisation of environmental harm- such as pollution
  2. Cooperation over shared water resources- between regions in a country or between countries
  3. Equitable utilisation of shared water resources- all groups and communities receive a fair share
  4. Avoidance of transboundary harm- control of actions upstream
  5. Equitable participation- all countries or players have an equal status

geography physical a2 (6 decks)

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