COMPUTER-BASED SUPPORT FOR PLANNING AND NEGOTIATION ON ENVIRONMENTAL REHABILITATION OF WATER RESOURCE SYSTEMS

A.V.Lotov

Published at the book
Restoration of Degraded Rivers: Challenges, Issues and Experience, ed. by D.P.Loucks, 1998, Kluwer Academic publishers, Netherlands.

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Abstract Strategies of the environmental rehabilitation of water resource systems are usually characterised by multiple performance indicators which represent interests of different social groups. To support negotiations aimed at the solution of problems of this kind, we use a computer methodology based on the FEASIBLE GOALS method (FGM) coupled with the Interactive Decision Maps (IDM) technique. The methodology provides the display of objective trade-offs among performance indicators informing by this negotiators, experts and public opinion on potentialities of choice and on nondominated combinations of indicators. Moreover, it includes the development of efficient environmental rehabilitation strategies which may be displayed using various multimedia and virtual reality tools as well as the Geographical Information Systems. The FGM/IDM technique may be used for supporting both planning as well as negotiations. An example of planning support system based on the FGM/IDM technique is provided. The concept of the INTERNET-based Active Public Information Clearing House devoted to informing the public opinion on the environmental rehabilitation problems is introduced (see new Internet resource).