Water Resources and Land-Use Planning: A Systems Approach

Book excerpt: This volume constitutes the proceedings of the NATO Advanced Study Institute on Water Resources and Land-Use Planning that was held in Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium, July 3-14, 1978. In the pre paration of the two-week NASI, we identified 12 major goals and objectives, knowing well, at the time, that the satisfaction of all priorities would be an impossible task. It is instructive that we share these early goals and objectives with our readers prior to evaluating the NASI's contribution. 1. Relate and analyze water resources (water quantity and quality, surface and groundwater) and related land resources in a multi objective framework. 2. Identify and relate the scientific, technological, institu tional, societal, legal and political aspects of water and related land resources to policy decisions. 3. Promote and foster the transfer of technological information and assistance in water related land resources within the var ious levels of government. 4. Analyze the above three objectives and goals in light of the experience gained by the institute participants via case studies. 5. Improve communication and understanding among the various dis ciplines involved in water and related land resources. 6. Discuss and analyze the applicability of advanced planning methodologies germane to water and related land resources. 7. Identify current and projected future water and related land resources problems and issues and suggest ways to alleviate their respective and interrelated impacts.