Author(s): Marwah Yaseen; Ivan Portoghese; Vito Iacobellis; Silvia Vanino; Valentina Baratella; Stefano Fabiani; Mert Can Gunacti; Ali Gul; Filiz Barbaros; Raffaele Giordano; Alessandro Pagano
Linked Author(s): Alessandro Pagano, Vito Iacobellis
Keywords: No Keywords
Abstract: The present work proposes an operational approach to the concept of Water-Ecosystems-Food Nexus, based on the integration of Participatory System Dynamics Modeling techniques (PSDM) and hydrological modelling, specifically the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT). Specific reference is made to the Tarquinia Plain area (Central Italy), one of the pilot areas within the LENSES project (PRIMA Foundation, GA n. 2041), where irrigated agriculture plays a vital role for local communities, yet with increasing concerns for the impacts on the state of the environment and for the interplay with water resources availability (due to climate change impacts) and quality. In summary the proposed approach is based on the use of: i) Causal Loop Diagrams (CLD) for an improved conceptual understanding of system state and potential evolution, as well as for the identification of key challenges and leverage points; ii) hydrological modelling (SWAT) for getting a deeper understanding of the main implications of agricultural practices on the state of the area; iii) stock and flow models, for scenario analysis and policy design. The methodological approach is being replicated in several case studies in Europe and beyond.
Year: 2024