Workpackage 2

Title

Quantitative system description

Coordinator

Prof. Abdellatif Bayed

Institut Scientific, Morocco (Partner 6)

Objectives

To build quantitative system description for each case study

Description

Significant elements of the systems described through Workpackage1 were chosen, with regard to feasibility, measurability, replicability and comparability with other sites and scenarios in the Mediterranean. Samplings and samples analyses were made to acquire information on the different aspects of the system, filling the gaps as identified in Workpackage1.

Monitoring programmes were carried out in the systems in order to achieve a comprehensive assessment of how changes occur over space and time in relation to water use.

Socioeconomic (sociocultural and economic) work: general guidelines for questionnaires were developed to be used to collect information on socioeconomic conditions and the issues of concern to different stakeholders and then customised to each site conditions. Data collected were analysed statistically.

Ecological (physical and biological environment) work: general sampling plans were developed for possible ecological indicators, which were then distributed to partners and customised to each study site, according to the needs or to the prevailing conditions. The chemical, physical and biological properties of the soil and water (texture, soil water retention, infiltration, pH, salinity, soil type, organic matter, carbon, nitrogen, phoshorus, heavy metals, etc) were analysed with standard techniques and sampling protocols are established. Changes in biodiversity and biomass of sample plots were analysed both quantitatively and qualitatively, with relation to their height from the water table (and when applicable to their distance from the sea) taking into account vegetation type, water quality and seasonality. Environmental gradients (e.g. pollution) were considered. Potential bioindicator species were identified in relation to environmental characteristics to be used as early warning tools to environmental perturbations. The use of these tools enabled a quantification of impacts and the identification of trends. 

Hydrology: whenever needed a quantified system description for the case studies with water inputs, flows and compartments and water outputs, was made. General data bases were developed for each site, and then used to build quantitative system description. 

The preliminary quantitative system descriptions was presented and discussed at the interim project meeting (June 2007).

Deliverables

General guidelines for socioeconomic questionnaires and sampling protocols

Data bases for each study site – disseminated to participants in the programme, and made available to the public at the end of the project

Quantitative system descriptions

Milestones and expected results

Common sampling protocols established and disseminated to the partners through forum

Interim project meeting to present and discuss quantitative system descriptions (June 2007)

Development of detailed system descriptions for the case studies to be used as a base for impact assessment in Workpackage 3