A meta-model of socio-hydrological phenomena for sustainable water management

Overemphasizing technological solutions in water management without considering the broader systems perspective can result in unintended consequences. For example, infrastructure interventions for drought adaptation may inadvertently increase flood risk, illustrating a socio-hydrological phenomenon. Here we propose a systems meta-model that reveals the complex mechanisms and feedback loops underlying the critical human-water interactions. We show that the unintended outcomes of water management decisions result from the lack of integration and coordination of the feedback loops. The insights highlight the importance of considering environmental capacity in water management, as well as the necessity for integrated assessment and coordinated solutions for long-term sustainability. Adopting technological solutions for water management without considering the complexity underlying human-water interactions can result in unintended consequences. Now a systems meta-model offers a tool to reveal critical human-water links and guide coordinated solutions for sustainable water management.

Automated summary

This article emphasizes the need to consider the broader systems perspective and the complexity of human-water interactions when implementing technological solutions in water management, in order to avoid unintended consequences. The application of a systems meta-model reveals the critical links between humans and water, providing guidance for coordinated solutions and sustainable water management.