Integrated water management of water resources

lbres2204  2020-2021  Louvain-la-Neuve

Integrated water management of water resources
Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the information below is subject to change, in particular that concerning the teaching mode (presential, distance or in a comodal or hybrid format).
5 credits
30.0 h + 22.5 h
Q1
Teacher(s)
Jonard François; Vanclooster Marnik (coordinator);
Language
French
Prerequisites
Probability and statistics
Basic modelling course. Basic computer programming course.
Main themes
The main objective of the course is to train students in the understanding of the challenges and the use of advanced methodologies for integrated water resources management.
The topics that are covered are :
    - Concepts and challenges of integrated water resources management at different scales (local scale, watershed, country, region, international river basin, global).
    - Strategic, political and institutional aspects of integrated management of water resources. Introduction in current water policies (eg water policy for sustainable development).
    - Analytical tools for water management. Modelling of  water resources systems (watersheds, reservoirs, perimeter, groundwater body) including technical, economic and social aspects. Analysis,planning, optimization and evaluation of water systems
Aims

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :

1 a. Contribution de l'activité au référentiel AA (AA du programme)
    M2.2 ; M2.3 ; M2.4 ; M2.5
b. Formulation spécifique pour cette activité des AA du programme (maximum 10)
    After the course, students should be able:
    -       to explain the concept of integrated water resources management (IWRM);
    -       to explain the political, institutional , legal and policy issues associated with integrated water resources management;
    -       to develop policies, strategies and programs for sustainable development of water resources;
    -       to  illustrate the international cooperation programs in the field of IWRM  in international river basins (eg the Mekong, the Nile ... );
    -       to model a hydro- system, while considering the random nature of the flow ;
    -       to apply optimization methods ( dynamic programming, Lagrangian multipliers, linear programming, ... ) in simple IWRM planning problems;
    -       to compare the performance of a hydro- system with multiple criteria and objectives formulated by different actors;
    -       to develop a methodology to implement policies, strategies and IWRM programs.
 
Content
Part I: Issues, Strategic, Policy and Institutional Aspects
  • State of freshwater resources at the global and regional scales
  • Status of current uses and future needs for freshwater at the global and regional levels
  • State of water infrastructure and investment needs
  • Issues and challenges of the 21st century
  • Principles of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM)
  • Institutional, political and legal framework for water management
  • Elaboration of strategies and programmes for the management and development of water resources
  • International cooperation for water management. Examples of cooperation for water resources management: Mekong River / Nile River
Part II: Modelling, Management and Optimization Tools
  • Aspects of Hydrosystem Modelling
  • Hydroinformatics and management. Contributions of remote sensing. 
  • Programming, planning and optimization methods. Lagrangian multipliers. Linear programming. Dynamic programming.
  • Stochastic aspects. Uncertainty and sensitivity analysis. Water risk analysis.  
  • Performance analysis. Multi-criteria and integrated water resources analysis.
Teaching methods

Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the information in this section is particularly likely to change.

Theoretical course :
  • Lectures in audience. Due to lecture room capacity limitations related to the COVID crisis, some part of the course can be organised at distance.
  • Supported by video capsules
  • Support by online exercises (Moodle, Python Notebooks)
Practical work: Exercises in the computer room.
Evaluation methods

Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the information in this section is particularly likely to change.

Theory: Oral examination with written preparation.

Exercices: An assignment is transmitted to the students before the opening of the examination session. The student prepares a reply  to the question and defend in an oral examintion. This exercice is evaluated by the assistant of the course. 
Other information
This course can be given in English.
Online resources
Moodle
Bibliography
D. Loucks and E. Van Beek: Water Resources System Planning and Management: An introduction to methods, models and applications. UNESCO, 2005.
Faculty or entity
AGRO


Programmes / formations proposant cette unité d'enseignement (UE)

Title of the programme
Sigle
Credits
Prerequisites
Aims
Master [120] in Civil Engineering

Master [120] in Agriculture and Bio-industries