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Implementation of Environmental Flows for Intermittent River Systems: Adaptive Management and Stakeholder Participation Facilitate Implementation

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Abstract

Anthropogenic pressure on freshwater ecosystems is increasing, and often leading to unacceptable social-ecological outcomes. This is even more prevalent in intermittent river systems where many are already heavily modified, or human encroachment is increasing. Although adaptive management approaches have the potential to aid in providing the framework to consider the complexities of intermittent river systems and improve utility within the management of these systems, success has been variable. This paper looks at the application of an adaptive management pilot project within an environmental flows program in an intermittent stream (Tuppal Creek) in the Murray Darling Basin, Australia. The program focused on stakeholder involvement, participatory decision-making, and simple monitoring as the basis of an adaptive management approach. The approach found that by building trust and ownership through concentrating on inclusiveness and transparency, partnerships between government agencies and landholders were developed. This facilitated a willingness to accept greater risks and unintended consequences allowing implementation to occur.

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Acknowledgements

Funding provided through various government programs such as CMA Caring for Country and through the Office of Environment and Heritage and Commonwealth Environment Water Office environmental water programs. Landholder involvement, knowledge and time was provided as in-kind emphasizing their considerable investment in the program. Review and editorial suggestions for this paper by Paul Childs and Paula D’Santos was greatly appreciated.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. IHE Delft Institute for Water Education, Westvest 7, 2601 DA, Delft, Netherlands

    John Conallin

  2. NSW Office of Environment and Heritage, Level 4, Government Offices, 533 Kiewa St, Albury, NSW, Australia

    Emma Wilson

  3. Murray Local Land Services, 315 Victoria Street, Deniliquin, NSW, 2710, Australia

    Josh Campbell

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  1. John Conallin
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  2. Emma Wilson
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  3. Josh Campbell
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Correspondence to John Conallin.

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Conallin, J., Wilson, E. & Campbell, J. Implementation of Environmental Flows for Intermittent River Systems: Adaptive Management and Stakeholder Participation Facilitate Implementation. Environmental Management 61, 497–505 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00267-017-0922-4

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