Content

This course is taught at Vrije Universiteit Brussel.

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Students are introduced in the structure of the case study, the objectives and the way the project work will be assessed. The geographical, hydrological and water management characteristics of the catchment are made available to the students at the beginning of this workshop, and the need and requirements for an integrated river basin management plan are described. Elements that will be considered during the implementation of the integrated project are:
- the social, legal and environmental requirements for an integrated river management plan (an expert from the water authorities will provide the information concerning the creation of such a plan);
- the European Water Framework Directive and its requirements and consequences;
- overview of the project team (students, lecturers) and database, the capacity, role and task of each participant;
- overview of the importance and requirements for analysis and modelling within an integrated framework for the aspects: surface water, groundwater, river flow, urban water aspects, agricultural (irrigation and soil) water, aquatic ecology, and water quality;
- the schematic analysis of structure of web of water interactions;
- the layout and start-up of cooperative modelling of the web of water aspects;
- the discussion with catchment water managers and visit to the case study river basin;
- the integration of different modelling exercises;
- the integration of social, legal and systems approach to water management;
- the wrapping up of integration, reporting and joint formulation of conclusions; andthe presentation of the integrated project and handing-in of a final report.

The participants are also offered the opportunity to participate to WaterEurope, which is an international course organized by the university of Nice Sophia Antipolis. Participants will prepare themselves through e-learning and attend the groupwork during a 2 week period in Nice. The groupwork tackles flood management problems using a variety of tools and models. Costs for flights/trains and accommodations are covered for 10 participants.

Format: more information

26 hrs/2 credits theory; 26 hrs/2 credits of practical work; 26 hrs/1 credit of assignment/guided self-study