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Lookup NU author(s): Dr Caspar HewettORCiD
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Engineers have influenced how catchments function for centuries. This influence will continue as land is exploited for food and water. Past engineering has resulted in negative consequences and reduced natural resources. Monitoring and research indicates the chronic and acute nature of these environmental problems. Direct catchment management may seem prohibitively expensive but there is potential to combine benefits of many strategies and studies. Considerable resources are allocated to catchments. However, they are rarely directed towards holistic, engineered approaches. The key to catchment engineering is to demonstrate that multiple benefits can be gained from a single investment. This paper gives examples of a multi-scale, multi-functional, multi-stakeholder framework using soft engineering. The landscape is engineered through manipulation of hydrological flow pathways using interception structures, runoff storage and infiltration zones. Intensive monitoring strategies are implemented to prove the effectiveness of these interventions. Partnerships with relevant catchment groups are formed to create the practical skills-base needed to underpin holistic catchment management. This can be accelerated by creating demonstration sites. Evidence for flood reduction, pollution stripping and the creation of ecological zones is shown. It is concluded that a ‘hands on’ problem-solving approach involving many stakeholders, is the most cost-effective way to engineer catchments.
Author(s): Quinn P, Burke S, Hewett C, Wilkinson M, Jonczyk J
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Unpublished
Journal:
Year: 2011
