In the heart of Iran, a groundbreaking study is reshaping how we approach flood management, with implications that could ripple through the energy sector and beyond. Led by Ali Nasiri Khiavi from the Department of Watershed Management Engineering at Tarbiat Modares University, this research delves into the comparative effectiveness of traditional and collaborative watershed management approaches, offering a fresh perspective on flood control and management (FCM).
The Cheshmeh-Kileh Watershed, a critical area for water resources and energy infrastructure, served as the study’s backdrop. Here, Khiavi and his team explored four distinct management approaches: physical, technical, comanagerial, and conjunct management. Each method was scrutinized for its ability to prioritize sub-watersheds based on flood generation and determine the optimal FCM measures.
The physical approach relied on geo-environmental criteria, while the technical approach utilized HEC-HMS software for flood modeling. However, it was the comanagerial approach that stood out, incorporating semi-structured interviews with local stakeholders to gather suggested FCM measures. “Engaging local stakeholders was crucial,” Khiavi explained. “Their insights provided a more holistic understanding of the watershed’s dynamics and the most effective management strategies.”
The study’s innovative use of the Condorcet algorithm, based on game theory, allowed for a nuanced prioritization of sub-watersheds in each approach. The results were striking: the conjunct management approach, which combined non-structural and structural measures, proved most effective in reducing peak flow and flood volume.
One measure, in particular, emerged as a standout: a 10% improvement in forest cover across the entire watershed. This non-structural measure showed remarkable effectiveness, with reductions in flood components ranging from 43.62% to 80.08% across various return periods. “Non-structural measures often get overlooked,” Khiavi noted, “but they can have a profound impact on flood management.”
So, what does this mean for the energy sector? Floods pose significant risks to energy infrastructure, from hydroelectric power plants to transmission lines. Effective FCM can mitigate these risks, ensuring a more stable and reliable energy supply. Moreover, the study’s emphasis on collaborative management highlights the importance of stakeholder engagement, a principle that could enhance the resilience of energy systems.
The methods and approaches used in this study, published in the Journal of Flood Risk Management (Journal of Flood Risk Management), offer a blueprint for local managers, decision-makers, and policymakers. As we face an increasingly unpredictable climate, the insights from this research could shape the future of watershed management and flood control, not just in Iran, but globally. The energy sector, in particular, stands to benefit from these advancements, as it seeks to build a more resilient and sustainable future.
