Dear friends,In a joint effort between the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI), the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), the World Conservation Union (IUCN), and the Department of Water and Environmental Studies at Linköping University, we are exploring the concept of "environmental flows" through a questionnaire study. The questionnaire can be filled out online here www.siwi.org/survey.asp or by using the attached document. In the next two weeks, we will begin to analyse the responses we have received, so please return the completed survey as soon as possible. In addition, if you know of relevant contacts that also could complete the survey, please feel free to circulate.
Through this study we hope to provide an up-to-date picture of how well the environmental flows concept is known, how it is interpreted, and the extent to which it is being applied in water resource planning and policy. At present, the environmental flows concept is not universally recognised or applied around the world. You and/or your organisation has been selected, together with a range of people representing various water-related sectors, as a recipient of this questionnaire. We consider your opinion to be very important, irrespective of your level of familiarity with and use of the environmental flows concept. To us, it is important to receive responses from those areas where the concept is recognised and applied, as well as those areas that may see the concept as inapplicable or invalid.
The environmental flows concept is central to a growing field of research dedicated to finding a balance between the competing human needs for water (e.g. irrigation, industry, households, drinking water) and water required to sustain natural ecosystems. Environmental flows can be generally defined as the water regime provided within a river, wetland or coastal zone to maintain or restore ecosystems and their benefits. We recognise that alternative terms are currently used to define the flow concept, such as ecological reserve, in-stream flow requirements and compensation flow; however, a brief literature search has shown that the most widespread term is environmental flows.
The main aims for this study on the environmental flows concept are the following:
To determine the extent to which the concept is currently being used in different parts of the world;
To determine in those areas that do not recognise the concept what the major difficulties or obstacles are for application; and
To identify to what extent other similar environmental considerations are otherwise taken into account in water management decisions.
Timetable for the study:
June/July 2004 - We hope to receive your responses at your earliest possible convenience
July 2004 - Analysis of results and preparation of report
August 2004 - Presentation of report at the World Water Week in Stockholm
To fill out the questionnaire:
Click on the webpage link
http://www.siwi.org/survey.asp
complete the questionnaire, and submit online.
We appreciate very much your time in completing the attached questionnaire and we will inform you of the results following the World Water Week in Stockholm.
Sincerely,
Mr. Anders Berntell - SIWI (Stockholm International Water Institute)
Dr. David Molden - IWMI (International Water Management Institute)
Dr. Ger Bergkamp - IUCN (The World Conservation Union)
Professor Jan Lundqvist - Department of Water and Environmental Studies, Linköping University
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