River–human harmony model to evaluate the relationship between humans and water in river basin

Abstract

With the rapid population growth, ecological pressure caused by human activities on rivers is growing. Decision makers are often faced with the dilemma of how to maintain economic growth while also maintaining the resources of a river and its environment. In this study, a model has been proposed for the assessment of river-human relationship. The method establishes a complete index system to quantify the abstraction of river-human relationship and evaluation. The model provides a comprehensive assessment of river basin human-water relationship through 21 indicators and three dimensions, which include river health, human development and human-river coordination. The analytic hierarchy process is used to determine the index weights. This model is applied in Wei River Basin, northwestern China, where the present situation is evaluated along with finding the advantages and shortcomings. Thus the study provides a method for future development and water management.Keywords: Human development, human-river coordination, river health, river-human harmony model. RIVERS have been an integral part in the establishment and growth of human civilizations. During ancient times, human settlements were usually located near a river, with utilization of water for both agricultural purposes and raising livestock. Even in modern times, cities have been built alongside the rivers to use the water resources to support the development and progress of human civilization. Hence, human civilization is inseparably linked with rivers. However, the ecological balance of the river system is greatly affected due to anthropogenic activities like construction of dams, groundwater mining, pollution discharging and so on. Many rivers of the world are currently facing moderate to severe water crises due to population growth, industrialization, improved living standards and poor water management strategies 1 . More than 25% of the population of the world lives in arid or semi-arid areas where a shortage of water is a critical problem that requires resolution 2 . Although the development of various sectors like industries and agriculture is greatly dependent on the sustenance of water resources, the increasing water crisis due to inefficient utilization of available water resources is a serious threat to development 3 . Nowadays, water crisis occurs mainly because of water shortage, severe soil erosion, water pollution and water ecological degradation 4 . Improper or excessive utilization of water resources and the consequent water-related problems (e.g. stalinization, pollution, flooding, water scarcity, etc.) have hampered sustainable development of human societies. Thus, the human-water conflict has escalated on a global scale due to improper utilization of limited freshwater supplies. Hence, for a few decades the focus of discussion has been the imbalance of relationship between humans and river. The conflicts have been indicated as water vulnerability, water poverty, water deterioration, water scarcity and water security [5][6][7][8] . In recent ...

River-Space Development as a Social Interaction Space through the Placemaking Approach

“…Mankind's relationship with the river has undergone three phases and has since followed a predictable trajectory (Zhang et al, 2015). Those three phases are divided according to the types of society that has developed throughout history and are as follows: a.…”

“…With realization and first-hand experience of the consequences of our past society's actions, our postindustrial society has now begun to enter the 21st century with a new outlook. We have become more aware of the urban phenomenon of social disconnection in rivers, and took the time to shift priorities from concerns of economic considerations to efforts in improving the health and well-being of people with the river (Zhang et al, 2015). Likewise there is hope, our society is now moving towards an era of river repair and development.…”

“…Human settlements have always been built near rivers and have become an integral part in the establishment and development of human civilization (Zhang et al, 2015). Their use and value continue to uphold great significance in an urban setting.…”

“…However, as we progress in the 21st century, we as a post-industrial society have begun to realize and experience firsthand the consequences of our actions. It took time to shift priorities from concerns of economic considerations to efforts in improving the health and well-being of people with their river-ecosystem (Zhang et al, 2015). We can witness this in several developing countries such as Korea, Japan, and the majority of European countries that have taken the initiative to begin the river-development era.…”