the MERIT project

MERIT developed an integrated, water resource management methodology that could be applied throughout Europe at a range of scales. The methodology was based on Bayesian networks (Bns), a type of model-based decision support system routinely used in the fields of medicine and artificial intelligence. MERIT had two main goals: (a) to demonstrate the extent to which Bns could be used as an aid to water management and (b) to investigate whether Bns could provide a practical means to encourage stakeholder engagement in the decision making process. Networks were constructed in full consultation with local stakeholders in four catchments throughout Europe.

The four catchments were located in the UK, Denmark, Spain and Italy. They were selected to represent a range of different environments, subject to different pressures. A network was constructed in each area to demonstrate how they can be used to resolve water management issues. Representative stakeholder groups at the four sites identified the issues concerned.

Based on the results of the case studies a set of guidelines (see below for reference) were written to describe the way in which networks can be used as a participatory tool for water resource management.

Reference

Guidelines for the use of Bayesian networks as a participatory tool for Water resources management: based on the results of the MERIT project. 2005. Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Wallingford, UK. 117pp.

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