Abstract

SENENT-APARICIO, Javier; PEREZ-SANCHEZ, Julio  and  BIELSA-ARTERO, Alicia M.. Assessment of Sustainability in Semiarid Mediterranean Basins: Case Study of the Segura Basin, Spain. Tecnol. cienc. agua [online]. 2016, vol.7, n.2, pp.67-84. ISSN 2007-2422.

Ever since the concept of sustainable development was introduced by the Brundtland Report in the late 1900s, many scientists have worked on objectively measuring sustainability based on indices. The application of these indices to water resource management makes it possible to evaluate the current state of this resource and provides a tool to help decision-makers. One of the most common indices is the Watershed Sustainability Index. This has been applied by various investigators in a large number of basins throughout the world, and particularly in Central and South America. Nevertheless, references to its application in Europe have not been found. The objective of this study was to apply the Watershed Sustainability Index in a semiarid Mediterranean basin, such as the Segura Basin in Spain. Some of the indicators were adapted to the characteristics of the case study. The Segura Basin has a large water deficit and is subject to the requirements stipulated by the Water Framework Directive. A sustainability index of 0.64 was obtained for the Segura Basin during the period 2006-2010, which is equal to an intermediate sustainability level. The methodology proposed can be used for many other European Mediterranean basins with hydrological, environmental, social and political conditions that are very similar to those of the case study.

Keywords : Hydrology; Segura basin; sustainability index; pressure-state-response model; integrated watershed management.

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