SWOT ANALYSIS ON THE IMPACT OF ENGINEERING WORKS FROM THE ARGES HYDROGRAPHIC BASIN ON THE FLUVIAL SYSTEMS

Soare Mariana

University of Bucharest, Faculty of Geography Bucharest

Abstract

Arges river basin is one of the most engineered catchments of Romania, as evidenced by the multitude of existing hydrotechnical works therein. In addition to their economical advantages, these "features" are, however, quantity, quality, ecological and hydro-geomorphologic pressure factors on the existing aquatic units, which reflect (directly or indirectly) negatively on society and ecosystems. According to the Water Framework Directive requirements, knowledge of anthropogenic pressure forms on water resources is highly imperative, in order to identify the quality of water bodies in order to adopt adequate measures to protect and conserve. The paper is a an inventory and a summary analysis of key engineering works from the Arges hydrographic basin (storage lakes, derivatives, river regulations, embankments and protection of the banks), performed on water courses for different purposes: (electricity generation, different water demands, defense against water destructive effects, control of excessive humidity, regulation of natural water flows) during different periods of time (daily, weekly, seasonal, annual, etc.). In order to quantify the impact of engineering works on fluvial systems, a SWOT analysis is of very much need. This method of analysis was applied on the area of the Arges Basin in order to identify, negative and positive effects of engineering works, opportunities and risks associated to these facilities, that should allow adopting strategies of water management so that the sustainable development concept is complied with.

Keywords: engineering works, fluvial systems, SWOT analysis, Argeş hydrographic basin

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