European Regional Science Association
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European Regional Science Association
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The abstract for paper number 545:
Tomaz Dentinho, Azores University, , Portugal, João Marques, Catholic University, , Portugal, João Porteiro, Emiliana Silva, Helena Calado, Azores University, , Portugal, José Ferreira, Technical University of Lisbon, , Portugal
Integrated water management in the Seven Cities Basin
The Seven Cities lagoon is located in a volcanic crater. The basin has 1923 hectars, 25% of which is covered with water. The remaning areas are pastures (450 hectars) production forest (380 hectars) wild forest (450 hectars and other areas including social areas (160 hectars). Average precipitation is 1600 mm. Extreme logging and the use of fertilisers in the pastures is creating sedimentation and eutrophisation. The problem became a public concern when the degradation water quality and landscape threats the touristic sector and the urban development outside the basin. The conflicts are between agriculture and tourism. On the one hand, 900 cows produce 4.6 millions of milk and provide direct employment to 74 farmers and induced employment to more 55 actives. On the other hand, these cows and their forages generate 600 Kg of phosphorus per year which increases the eutrophisation process can lead to a reduction of 15% in tourism and to negative effect on employment outside the basin of 250 employees. To address this issue we generate efficient scenarios that are then evaluate through a decision support system. First, we formulate, calibrate and integrate three models: an environmental model of the lagoon, an agro-environmental model of the basin and an economic model of the village. Secondly, we evaluate 29 scenarios through a decision support system and select three dominant scenarios based on twelve economic and environmental criteria. The scenario chosen involves 880 cows that produce 4.4 millions of milk and provide direct employment to 68 farmers and induced employment to more 51 actives. Furthermre the deviation of one of the main streams this will allow a reduction of 63% of the phosphorus that goes to the lagoon. Compensatory measures, economic and social, will pay the farmers their loss and will compensation the community with the lost basic employment.
Unfortunately full paper has not been submitted.