Tools: WS-Framework Tool (Water Stress Framework Tool)
The reason for building a matrix of information and knowledge, rather than simply providing a simple index value, is to provide all stakeholders with relevant information in an open and accessible way. Since it is widely recognised that knowledge is power, it is felt in this work that the conversion of disparate data into comprehensive knowledge is a worthwhile effort, and the dissemination of that knowledge to a wide range of users in an easy to understand way is a prerequisite for promoting more equitable decision making. Knowledge cannot always be quantified in such a way as to be used in a mathematical way, and so the use of a matrix as a vehicle for combination of different sorts of information will enable the knowledge generated through it to be more holistic and covering various disciplines. Furthermore this approach has the advantage that it takes into account not only hydrological and/or physical aspects of defining water stress but also social and economic dimension of water stress.
During the process of the literature review, and building on earlier work on index development (C. Sullivan, Meigh, & Lawrence, 2005; C. A. Sullivan, Meigh, & Fediw, 2002), it was observed that there was some dissatisfaction in the use of indices in general. Statements are sometimes made about an index being too simple, or not comprehensive enough, with the methodology not allowing a sufficient breadth of knowledge to be included.
As a result the objective of WB2 was to ease the management of water stress by providing a tool for a first assessment of the integral effect of measures taking by different sectors to combat water stress. We focused on the water system’s property to:
- characterize the water system,
- to describe the water stress situation in the different water sectors,
- to recognize the water stressors and
- to properly act with bundle mitigation options against water stress.
The following material is available for download:
