H20 Operator - Caribbean Water Operator Magazine Vol. 2 Issue 2 June 2015
Final report- Group 82 - Aqualibrium
1. Channeling Multifunctionality
Exploring alternative management practices for the canal Carrera del Saler
JULY 1, 2016
AQUALIBRIUM
Mert Blommestijn, Eva Diestelhorst,
Amanda Krijgsman, Joy Pengel, Sjoerd Pietersen
3. Table of Content
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ........................................................................... i
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ........................................................................... ii
1. INTRODUCTION ........................................................................... 1
2. CURRENT STATE ........................................................................... 3
Zone A ........................................................................... 3
Zone B ........................................................................... 3
Zone C ........................................................................... 3
Zone D ........................................................................... 6
General observations ........................................................................... 6
3. CURRENT & DESIRED FUNCTIONS ............................................................... 7
4. PROBLEMS & OPPORTUNITIES ...................................................................... 9
4.1 Problems ........................................................................... 9
Structure and Design ........................................................................... 9
Maintenance Practices ........................................................................ 9
Authority, Decision-making & Administration.............................................. 10
4.2 Opportunities ........................................................................... 11
Structure and Design ........................................................................... 11
Maintenance ........................................................................... 11
Authority, Decision-making & Administration .............................................. 12
Risk perception and Mentality................................................................ 12
5. VISION ........................................................................... 13
5.1 Zone A&B ........................................................................... 13
5.1.1 Current situation.......................................................................... 13
5.1.2 Proposed intervention .................................................................. 14
5.1.3 Proposed vision .......................................................................... 14
5.2 Zone C&D ........................................................................... 16
5.2.1 Current situation ..........................................................................16
5.2.2 Proposed intervention .................................................................. 16
5.2.3 Proposed vision ..........................................................................17
5.3 Division of responsibilities ........................................................................... 18
5.4 Dutch Examples ........................................................................... 20
6. DISCUSSION ........................................................................... 21
7. CONCLUSION ........................................................................... 22
8. REFERENCES ........................................................................... i
Literature: ........................................................................... i
Websites: ........................................................................... i
9. ANNEX ........................................................................... ii
ANNEX A - Methodology ........................................................................... ii
ANNEX B - Conceptual Framework..................................................................... ix
ANNEX C - Bottlenecks and opportunities overview................................................ xi
ANNEX D - Cross Sections ...........................................................................xiii
ANNEX E - Aqualibrium Team Members.............................................................. xv
4. 1 | | 2Aqualibrium Aqualibrium
to give new insights into possible alternatives.
These examples are explored by the means
of interviews, observations and a literature
review. On the basis of this input, images of
how the canal could look like under different
practices were developed. See Annex A for the
methodology of this research and Annex B for
the conceptual framework on multifunctional
canal management, that this report is based
on.
The results are presented in three parts. First,
the current physical state of the canal and
the maintenance practices that led to it are
mapped and explored. Hereafter, the problems
that stakeholders have with this current state
and the wishes they want to integrate into new
practices are presented. Lastly, vision images
are presented and practices that would lead to
them are recommended.
This report aims to serve as a first step to explore
alternative canal management practices by
providing a vision of what can be achieved
if management practices are changed. The
new management practices are based on an
integrated approach to better meet the multiple
functions desired by the main stakeholder
groups. In order to identify the best alternative
practices, the following four steps were taken.
First, the current and desired functions of
different stakeholders of the Carrera del
Saler were identified with interviews. Second,
the current physical state of the canal was
mapped by the means of observations and
the management practices that lead to it were
identified by a combination of the observations
and interviews. Third, stakeholders were asked
to give input about how they would improve
management practices. Fourth, examples from
the Netherlands where ecological friendly canal
maintenance has been implemented were used
canal. First, the Carrera del Saler is used for
navigation by tourists boats. Second, the canal
and its banks should be aesthetically appealing
in order to attract tourists to the area (Javier
Jiménez Romo, personal communication, May
12, 2016; Hulshof & Vos, 2016).
The canal and bank management practices
of the Carrera del Saler are currently not
supporting the multiple functions that
stakeholders have an interest in due to
various reasons. The expansion of rice fields
since the 1970’s has resulted in narrow canal
banks with steeper slopes, especially on the
east side, which made them prone to erosion
(Hulshof & Vos, 2016; Mondría-García, 2004).
Debris is used in order to stabilize the banks.
However, leakage of toxins from the debris
may occur and the material does not confine
and stabilise the bank in a proper way. To make
things worse, waves created by passing boats,
invasive plant species like Arundo donax that
destabilize the banks with their rooting system
and musk-rats and crabs digging holes into the
banks, lead to further erosion. The consequent
sedimentation of silt in the canal bed reduces
the canal depth to the point where it becomes
too shallow for navigation. At this point the bed
is usually cleaned and the cleaning material is
deposited on the banks. However, this practice
has two negative effects for the ecological
quality of the canal and its banks. Firstly,
when cleaning practices are too frequent or
too deep, this is harmful for aquatic species in
the canal (e.g. freshwater mussels). Secondly,
when the excavated material is deposited on
the bank suffocation of vegetation occurs. The
deposited material forms a crust on the bank
which easily crumbles away which reduces the
water confining capacity of the bank and thus
poses a problem for farmers. Furthermore,
the combination of debris and crusty
cleaning material is considered aesthetically
unattractive. Due to the high rate of erosion the
above mentioned process has to be repeated
frequently which increases the environmental
damage as well as the maintenance costs.
The purpose of this project is to raise awareness
on the impact of current management practices
onthefunctionalityofthecanalCarreradelSaler
and to stimulate dialogue between stakeholders
about alternative canal management practices.
The Albufera natural park is a freshwater
wetland situated close to the city of Valencia.
The area consists of a shallow 2,800 ha lagoon
surroundedby18,000haofextensivepaddyrice
cultivation. Water management in the Albufera
wetland is very dynamic with many user groups
having an interest in different functions of the
wetland. Among the user groups are farmers,
environmentalist, tourists, fishermen and
hunters (Hulshof & Vos, 2016). There is a need
to balance the various interests of the diverse
user groups in a multifunctional approach. This
poses a challenge to the management of the
canal systems that connect the rice fields with
the lake. The Carrera del Saler, one of the main
canals of this area is especially interesting
due to its function of connecting the town El
Saler to the lake and its historical and cultural
relevance (Figure 1). Currently, the canal
mainly serves the functions of irrigation and
navigation. However, other interests regarding
the aesthetics, stability and environmentally
friendliness of the banks are gaining influence
and need to be taken into account in the future.
The various stakeholder groups who are
interest in different services from the Carrera
del Saler are farmers, the tourism sector and
nature conservationists. Farmers with adjacent
fields have a main interest in the canal for
irrigation and drainage, and want the banks
to be stable and serve for water confinement
between the canal and their fields. As the
Albufera is part of Natura2000 and the Ramsar
Convention, nature conservationists want to
improve the ecological quality of the canal and
its banks for higher biodiversity and ecological
connectivity (Soria, 2006). The tourist sector
has an interest in two services from the
1INTRODUCTION
Figure 1: Where Carrera del Saler is situated.
5. 3 | | 4Aqualibrium Aqualibrium
This chapter describes the current physical
state of the canal and its banks of Carrera del
Saler and serves as a basis for the following
chapters. Chapter 2 describes the starting
point to any future changes and portrays the
physical impact of current management and
maintenance practices.
The canal banks vary along the Carrera del
Saler in terms of width, slope, vegetation cover,
applied maintenance practices and land use in
the adjacent areas. Assessment of the physical
state of the banks has been done through
observations. Which physical characteristics
are considered problematic for the banks, and
therefore should be focussed on during the
observations, is determined by interviews and
literature about canal bank management.
The canal is divided into three zones
based on the land use adjacent to the canal
and characteristics based on the applied
management practices and morphological
features. The research is focussing on Zone A
andBasthesemakeupthemostofthecanaland
to a lesser extent C. The three different zones
are depicted in Map 1. The remainder of the
canal is merged into zone D and not addressed
in depth in this report. Zone D are areas where
land adjacent to the canal is unused and where
banks are not managed so that vegetation
can grow freely. This chapter gives a short
description of the main characteristics of each
zone and then presents general observations
which are applicable to all zones of the canal.
ZONE A
The main land use adjacent to the canal in
this zone is paddy rice cultivation. The zone
is characterised by a broad dike which is
accessible for cars. The morphological shape
of the dike is broad and flat (width between
3.0 and 4.5m) with relatively short and steep
slopes (between 50° and 90°). In general,
vegetation in zone A is relatively sparse.
Typical is the presence of debris, visible on
top of the dike and slopes. This forms the main
problem for the dike stability. For this reason
the extent of observed debris is shown on Map
2. Furthermore, extensive cleaning practices
are commonly used on both sides of the dike,
forming a thick layer of dried-up mud which
is prone to erosion. Also, signs of mowing
practices are common and subsequently
mowed vegetation is left on the banks. Lastly,
indicators of herbicide application on dike bank
ZONE B
In zone B the main land use adjacent to the
canal is paddy rice cultivation interspersed with
land with a higher elevation. This land has no
specific purpose and is covered by shrubby
vegetation. The dikes in Zone B are relatively
narrow (ranging between 0.3 and 4.1m) and
low (ranging between 0.7 and 1.8m). The
narrow width poses a problem for the dike
stability and is highlighted in Map 3. Parallel
to the dikes inland are small drainage canals
for the rice fields (usually with a width of 2.0
to 3.0m). Traces from cleaning practices are
visible. The cleaning material on top of the
dikes is coming from the drainage canals of the
rice fields (instead of the canal). In general, the
cleaning material consists of a thick layer of silt
which shows signs of erosion on many parts
of the dikes. The dike slopes on both sides
are steep and vary around 70°. Especially the
common reed Phragmites is abundant and to
a lesser extent is Typha and Iris pseudacorus,
emergent aquatic plants. Signs of debris and
mowing practices are observed less, but
signs of herbicides usage were more frequent
compared to zone A. In zone B, there are
five plots of land adjacent to the canal which
have a higher elevation and are covered by
a relatively rich variety in vegetation. These
areas could have a high ecological value if they
are developed strategically.
ZONE C
In this zone, the land use is characterised by
informal vegetable gardening. The people in
charge of the gardens maintain the banks with
erosion prevention measures, such as wooden
2CURRENT STATE
Map 1: The subdivision of the Carrera del Saler in zone A, B and C.
Map 2: Abundance of debris in zone A of Carrera del Saler.
6. 5 | | 6Aqualibrium Aqualibrium
and plastic campshedding. There is no dike
and the end of the relatively low bank (height
ranges between 0.3 and 0.7m) is marked by a
small path leading to the gardens. The small
path alongside the canal is not maintained
well as it is eroded away in some locations.
The slope of the narrow bank is relatively steep
and many observed locations have a slope of
90°. Debris is present on half of the observed
locations. No obvious signs of cleaning and
mowing practices are observed. Phragmites
and Typha are the dominant vegetation types
that alternate each other on the sidewall
of the canal. The vegetation has a width of
approximately between 3.0 and 8.0 meters and
a height between 2.0 and 4.0 meters. Some
parts of the canal and bank show no vegetation,
possibly due to the presence of debris on the
underwater sidewall of the canal.
ZONE D
Zone D is composed of an area adjacent
to Albufera lake, and the triangle shaped
abandoned rice field on the West side of
the canal next to the Port of Saler. The land
in this zone is unused and the banks are
unmanaged. The area is covered with freely
growing vegetation which is mainly dominated
by Phragmites.
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS
Next to the observations which vary greatly
between the zones and thus linked to them,
there are also two important observations
which were apparent along the entire canal.
Firstly, the extensive presence of litter along
the canal is striking. Secondly, the occurrence
of the invasive species Arundo donax can be
observed along the entire canal.
Map 4 shows the current presence of Arundo
donax. The dots are representing locations
where Arundo donax is growing, which are
mainly on the East bank of the canal. The
problem with Arundo donax is that its rooting
system destabilizes the dike. Roots can grow
up to 50 to 60 centimeters into the dike and
fracture its material (Manel Vela, personal
communication, June 14, 2016). Furthermore,
as it is so deeply enrooted in the dike it puts
the dike at risk of tipping over when strong
winds blow against the plant. Due to its narrow
character, the dike of zone B is especially
vulnerable to the damages caused by the
invasive species Arundo donax
Map 3: Dike width in zone B of Carrera del Saler.
Map 4: Presence of Arundo donax in Carrera del Saler.
7. 7 | | 8Aqualibrium Aqualibrium
In general, wetlands have a high potential
for multifunctionality and can provide many
services that benefit various stakeholders
(Gren, 2010). However, as of this moment
the Carrera del Saler does not provide those
multiple services and focuses on the agro-
economic interests and this merely to a limited
extend. Therefore, there is a need for a new
management plan that transforms the canal into
a multi-functional one. Relevant stakeholders
in this area are government entities, nature
conservation entities, dike maintenance
companies, agriculturalists, NGOs and the
tourist sector. Interviews revealed that there are
four types of functions which are required of the
canal namely ecology related functions (ECO),
irrigation and drainage (I&D), tourism related
functions (TOU) and navigation of boats (NAV).
Table 1 presents which stakeholder sees which
functions as being met in the present and which
functions they wish to be included in the future.
Table 1: Current, insufficient and desired functions of Carrera del Saler linked to stakeholders.
3CURRENT & DESIRED FUNCTIONS
8. 9 | | 10Aqualibrium Aqualibrium
Problems and opportunities are identified on
the basis of interviews with the stakeholders of
the Carrera del Saler. This chapter discusses
the most frequently addressed problems and
opportunities perceived by stakeholders.
4.1 PROBLEMS
The diverse stakeholders perceive various
problems in relation to the current state and
management of the canal and its banks. While
therearemanydiverginginterestsintheultimate
management of canal and canal banks, some
issues were addressed frequently by a wide
array of stakeholders during interviews. These
issues can be seen as bottlenecks as they are
the point of congestion that slow down the flow
in the bottle or in the case of the Carrera del
Saler hamper any improvement of the situation
towards a pilot project for a multifunctional
canal. An overview of bottlenecks can be
found in Annex C. Table 2 presents the most
frequently addressed problems which will be
further explained in this chapter.
STRUCTURE AND DESIGN
The bottlenecks perceived by different
stakeholders that relate to the structure
and design of the canal are linked to the
canal depth, bank width and slope, use and
availability of materials and the absence of
trees. A too shallow canal is mainly seen as a
problem by stakeholders who use the canal for
navigation such as boat riders. A too narrow
bank is perceived as a problem by rice farmers
(especially in zone B). The municipality also
perceives this as a problem, since the drainage
and pumping costs are increased by a high
infiltration rate of water through the dikes.
Farmers are aware that debris is reducing the
dike stability. Nevertheless, they still use it
since it is a cheap and efficient maintenance
practice and because there is no sound
alternative. At the same time canal and dike
maintenance companies complain that there
is limited natural soil material available to
strengthen the canal dikes or flattening the bank
slopes. Furthermore, maintenance companies
are not authorized to use abandoned rice
fields to store construction material prior to
implementation of alternative dike designs. The
current suitable alluvial clay layer of the canal
bed is locally only 30 cm thick. Beneath this
clayey canal bed layer, sand is deposited that
should remain untouched to prevent adverse
water loss due to increased seepage (Manel
Vela, personal communication, June 14, 2016).
Finally, especially ecologists are in favour of
planting trees on the canal dikes to restore the
aesthetic and ecological value of the canal.
This is however opposed by rice farmers who
are afraid of increased maintenance costs,
damages caused by birds who can nest and
hide in the trees and think that increased
vegetation on the slopes can lead to hydrosere
of the canal, a plant succession state at which
the canal is slowly turned into a swamp.
MAINTENANCE PRACTICES
There is a general consensus among all
the interviewed stakeholder that canal
bank erosion is reducing dike stability. The
stakeholders attribute erosion to various
causes such as the use of debris (especially
in zone A), waves created by passing boats
clashing against banks, invasive vegetation
(Arundo donax) and no post treatment of
deposited cleaning material which leaves the
material prone to soil crusting. The appliance of
herbicides is perceived as problematic mainly
by environmental NGOs and ecologists. On the
other hand, the use of herbicides is justified by
farmers to secure a productive rice harvest. In
the past, rice farmers planted Arundo donax
hoping that it would stabilize the banks. Instead,
this measure had the opposite effect (see
general observations in Chapter 2.1) which is
now recognized by all stakeholders. Another
common problem that arises is the infrequent
appliance of maintenance practices by Tancats
(organization of farmers of one polder ) and
maintenance companies. An example is the
frequency of mowing that is currently lacking
an ecological strategy, and is done too frequent
4PROBLEMS & OPPORTUNITIES
(4 times a year) or too few (once every 3 years)
(Peeters, 2014). Maintenance companies
commented that the treatment of cleaning
material was insufficient. Nowadays cleaning
material is simply deposited on the canal
dikes without any further treatment. The lack
of treatment (loosening the deposited silt and
clay, pre-wettening the deposited soil, slightly
compacting and revegetating the soil) causes
a rough and cracked soil crust that is prone to
erosion.
AUTHORITY, DECISION-MAKING &
ADMINISTRATION
At this moment there is a continuous debate
about canal bank ownership and authorization
for implementing alternative canal bank designs
and maintenance practices between the local
environmental department of the Generalitat
de Valencia* and the Tancat leaders that
have rice plots adjacent to the canal (Tancat
Pujol o del Pomero and the Tancats located
in the municipality of Alfafar). This results in
unclarity about who is responsible for dike
maintenance which causes the problem
of fragmented decision making bodies
(currently the Tancats in collaboration with the
comunidad de regantes**. Due to the unclear
responsibilities and authorities, it is not possible
for the decision making bodies to design an
integrated and anticipatory plan. Instead, the
maintenance approach is reactive, merely
applying maintenance to the weakest spots.
This problem is exacerbated by contrasting
norms, standards, laws and regulations that
are stated in the general management plan
of natural park L’Albufera. For example,
farmers are not authorized to change any
physical aspect (structure and design) of the
dikes and at the same time are obligated to
meet several environmental requirements
without receiving any financial compensation
from the administration of the Generalitat
de Valencia. Furthermore, there is no clear
definition of “appropriate” dike management,
nor a dike management plan that specifies who
should apply what practice at a given time in
a specific Tancat. Overall, all the interviewed
stakeholders stress a lack of financial resources
that are necessary for alternative dike design
implementation and improved maintenance
practices.
Table 2: Most addressed problems among interviewed stakeholders with regard to the current state of Carrera
del Saler.
*Conselleria de Medi Ambient de la Generalitat Valenciana: Responsible for setting environmental norms, environmental planning and regulations and
territorial planning in the state of Valencia (2016, June 30) Retrieved from http://www.gvaoberta.gva.es/inici.
** Comunidad de regantes: Valencian irrigation communities that are public corporations, attached to the basin organizations, which are responsible
for organizing the collective exploitation of public, surface and groundwater. The Comunidad de regantes are Spanish irrigators’ associations of
ancient origin based on Roman and Arabic systems. Regantes are grouped farmers aimed to manage and distribute the irrigation water in an
efficiently, orderly and equitable way among its members (Hulshof & Vos, 2016).
9. 11 | | 12Aqualibrium Aqualibrium
RISK PERCEPTION AND MENTALITY
The risks that are perceived in regard to the
current state of the dikes are contrasting
among the interviewed stakeholders.There
is a conflict of interest between ecologists,
NGO’s, the tourist sector and the generalitat
of Valencia on the one hand and the rice
farmers and comunidad de regantes on the
other hand. The first group of stakeholders
blame the latter for being solely focused on the
agro economical functions of the canal and its
dikes and their limited interest in the potential
ecological and estetical values of the canal.
In contrast, rice farmers complain that NGO’s
and ecologists are not realistic about the
costs of implementing alternative dike design
and maintenance practices and accuse the
environmental department of the generalitat of
Valencia of not giving financial and institutional
support to implement these practices.
4.2 OPPORTUNITIES
Despite that stakeholders have various and at
times conflicting interests in different services
of the Carrera del Saler, interviews reveal that
there is also a number of interests that are
shared among stakeholders. These shared
interests and consensus stimulates the chance
of a collaborative effort that will be the basis of
a multi-functional canal management approach
(see stated canal functions in Table 3). This
multifunctional canal management approach
is needed to implement a first pilot project in
Carrera del Saler that serves multiple interests
of the interviewed stakeholder groups. An
overview of opportunities can be found in
Annex C.
STRUCTURE AND DESIGN
All stakeholder share the mutual goal of
improving the bank stability. For rice farmers
and the municipality an improved dike stability
is beneficial as it improves flood prevention
and reduces pumping costs. If dike stability is
enhanced by increasing vegetation cover, other
stakeholders such as ecologists and the tourism
sector can benefit from a higher ecological and
aesthetic value. Rice farmers acknowledge that
revegetating could serve as a proper solution
to stabilize the dikes. However, rice farmers
remain concerned about creating a habitat for
nesting birds that are a potential threat for the
rice production. Furthermore, the dike could
be used as a hiking or cycling path by tourists.
The Centro de Investigación Piscícola El
Palmar of the Generalitat of Valencia provides
free planting material for ecological restoration
purposes which means that revegetating can
be conducted relatively cost-efficiently.
MAINTENANCE
At this moment several agro environmental
enterprises are active in l’Albufera natural park
and have knowledge of alternative canal bank
maintenance practices (such a flattening the
bank slope, revegetating the banks, removing
debris) and dike maintenance companies have
therelevantknowledgetoapplythem.InChapter
5.3 a suggested division of responsibilities and
activities needed for the implementation of a
pilot project that applies alternative canal bank
management practices is showed.
AUTHORITY, DECISION-MAKING &
ADMINISTRATION
Both the Tancat presidents of Pujol o del
Pomero and of the municipality of Alfafar
stated that they are willing to collaborate with
different entities such as ecologists, NGO’s,
the park management, the generalitat and
local municipalities to work towards a more
multifunctional canal. Overall, there is a shared
interest in a demonstrative pilot project that
serves as an example of a multifunctional canal.
The pilot project has the potential for upscaling
the alternative management practices in natural
park L’Albufera.
RISK PERCEPTION AND MENTALITY
All the stakeholders are aware of the local
environmental problems that are interrelated
with the current canal bank management
practices. Especially the generalitat of Valencia,
ecologists and the tourism sector believe that a
canal with improved ecological and aesthetic
functions will benefit the local Valencian
society culturally, socially and economically.
This stresses the need for collaboration
between stakeholders to work towards the
implementation of a pilot project.
Table 3: Main perceived opportunities among interviewed stakeholders with regard to the Carrera
del Saler.
10. 13 | | 14Aqualibrium Aqualibrium
In order to come up with an integrated plan to
efficiently manage the canal and its banks in a
way that it can support the multiple functions
that stakeholders desire from the canal, we
first studied the current state of the canal (see
also Chaper 2). In this chapter the vision for the
Carrera del Saler is presented by the means of
schematic canal cross sections and impression
images. The purpose is to visualize the future
canal schematically and aesthetically, after
the implementation of alternative canal bank
management practices proposed in this report.
The vision is supposed to stimulate the dialog
between stakeholders. These images can serve
as a bridge for dialogue between stakeholders
when discussing a pilot project. Hereafter, they
can then discuss issues such as structure,
design, maintenance, authority, responsibility
and decision making. The images combine the
zones A&B and the zone C&D in one image
respectively, since those zones are located on
opposite sides of the canal and thus represent
the opposing canal banks.
5.1 ZONE A&B
5.1.1 CURRENT SITUATION
Figure 2 shows a schematic cross section of our
findings in zones A and B (Annex D). In zone A,
debris is applied as a low cost and short term
solution by farmers in order to stabilize the bank
(see also Map 2). From the field observations
and interviews with nature conservationists/
NGOs and the farmers, it became clear that the
use of debris does not sufficiently support the
stability of the bank and furthermore releases
harmful toxins into the water. In addition, debris
deteriorates the aesthetic value of Carerra
del Saler. The main problem in zone B is the
narrow dike (Figure 2, see also Map 3), that
does not sufficiently prevent water leakage
from the canal into the rice fields. Consequently,
farmers suffer under waterlogging and face the
risk of a dike break (President of Tankat Pujol
Del Pomero, personal communication, June
21, 2016). Field observations indicate that
reactive management is applied in both zones.
The amount of cleaning material, the age and
density of the vegetation, often differs from field
to field rather than having been implemented to
the bank as an integrated system.
Currently, the dominant function of Carrera del
Saler is to serve the rice fields for irrigation and
drainage. Consequently, maintenance on the
canal banks generally takes place upon the
instructions of farmers (Farmer and Irrigation
manager Alfafar, personal communication,
June 22, 2016). Despite the Carrera del Saler
also is being used for navigation of tourist
boats,the tourist sector does not contribute to
the maintenance efforts.
5VISION
5.1.2 PROPOSED INTERVENTION
In order to improve the stability and aesthetic
value of the canal bank in zone A and the dike
in zone B, we suggest to implement gentle
canal bank slopes (Figure 3). Implementation
of gentle canal bank slopes is a long term
investment which requires less maintenance.
The proposed gentle slopes can be achieved by
broadening the bank with 2.5 meters on each
side, in order to create a slope of approximately
300
. Gentle slopes will decrease the navigation
area, however, the canal is wide enough to
provide the boat riders at least 5 meters space
to pass. The marine clay on the bottom of the
canal is suitable for the implementation of the
gentle slopes as it will serve as a confining layer
and ensure bank stability (Manel Vela, personal
communication, June 14, 2016). Deepening the
canal bed will increase the wetted perimeter of
the canal.
Next to the improvement of the agricultural,
aesthetically and ecological functions, the
frequency and intensity of maintenance
will decrease. This implies a reduction in
maintenance costs and less damage to the
aquatic biodiversity of the canal. Indirectly, the
rehabilitation of target species in the Albufera,
such as freshwater mussel, will be supported.
According to Jonker & Menkveld (1998), a
canal bank with gentle slopes is cleaned once
every two years for an optimal ecological state.
Dredging should be conducted once every three
to five years (Twisk, 2003). We suggest that the
maintenance could either be done by farmers,
who then should be given a subsidy for their
work, or by a contracted maintenance company
who will get the responsibility of the entire
canal commissioned by the Environmental
department of the Generalitat of Valencia.
We assume that enough marine clay from
deepening the canal bed is available to
broaden the dike 1,5 meter in zone B, with an
associated dike height of 1,3 meters on the field
side. However, this must be proven by further
inspection. The dike in zone B will be broadened
by reducing the width of the drainage canal in
zone B. The drainage canal in zone B has an
average width of 2.6 meters, compared to 1.7
meters in zone A (the specific data collected in
the field are available upon request).
Figure 2: Schematic cross section of the current state of the canal Carrerea del Saler in zones A&B.
Figure 3: Schematic cross section of the operationalization of the canal Carrera del Saler in zones A&B.
5.1.3 PROPOSED VISION
The final state of the canal will ultimately
improve and support the functions desired by
different stakeholders (Table 1; Figure 4). The
increase of natural vegetation, facilitated by the
gentle slopes, will improve the ecological value
and serve the interests of the tourism sector.
The landscape will grow more diverse, which
supports the aesthetically function of Carrera
del Saler better than the current state. Also, the
interviewed farmers confirmed that an increase
in vegetation on the canal banks will help to
stabilize the dikes and therefore decrease
maintenance requirements (Farmers, personal
communication, June 2016). Nevertheless,
11. 15 | | 16Aqualibrium Aqualibrium
on the sides of the canal banks, as drawn in
Figure 5b. However, the type of birds in the
Albufera are mainly seen in reeds. Moreover,
the actual reduction in harvest caused by birds
is not known.
Figure 5a shows the current situation and
Figure 5b the proposed future situation, you
can see an impression as to how the canal
will look like in the future when everything is
implemented and is being maintained properly.
Figure 5b demonstrates the aesthetics when
alternative practices are implemented, making
it more appealing.
5.2 ZONE C&D
5.2.1 CURRENT SITUATION
Figure 6 is a schematic cross section of the
canal close to the port of El Saler (see also
Annex D). Figure 6 is characterised by zone
C in the east, where informal gardening
takes place, and in the west by uncontrolled
vegetation in zone D (Map 1, see also Chapter
2). In zone C a camp shedding is made of
plastic, debris, reed and wood. The use of this
materials is not aesthetically valued, which is in
conflict with the desires of other stakeholders
(Table 1). In addition, field observations show
that canal bank protection applied in zone C is
vulnerable to waves caused by passing boats
and is about to collapse in some locations.
Field observations also indicate that the camp
shedding was made by adjacent garden
owners themselves. It is noticeable that they
used material that is closest at hand.
Which maintenance practices are applied in
zone D is unclear. Due to its dense Phragmites
vegetation, zone D supports the aquatic quality
of Carrera del Saler by facilitating nursery of
fish and amphibians. However, the dense
and uncontrolled Phragmites vegetation is
in conflict with the boat riders because the
vegetation grows into the canal and decreases
the navigation area (Visit Albufera, personal
communication, June 9, 2016)
the interviewed farmers did expressed their
concern about the increase of vegetation,
because vegetation attracts birds (Farmers,
personal communication, June 2016). Birds
are not wanted as they damage the harvest.
Farmers were particularly worried about trees
Figure 4: Schematic cross section of the future state of the canal Carrerea del Saler in zones A&B.
Figure 5: Photo of the state of the canal Carrera del Saler in zones A&B (A) and an impression image (B).
Figure 6: Schematic cross section of the current state of the canal Carrerea del Saler in zone C.
5.2.2 PROPOSED INTERVENTION
Based on the current canal bank protection in
zone C, we propose the implementation of an
underwater tank (Figure 7). The implementation
of an underwater tank avoids the need of
space on the side of zone C and requires
less maintenance. We propose to create an
underwater tank by making an extra camp
shedding, 2,5 meters out of the actual canal
bank. In the underwater tank, vegetation can
grow in a controlled manner and the growth
of target species in the Albufera, such as Iris
pseudacorus and Typha can be supported. This
will contribute to the biodiversity, ecological
and aesthetic value of the canal. At the same
time, the underwater tank provides protection
against the impact of waves caused by passing
boats. Implementation of the underwater tank
will leave at least 5 meters for the boat riders to
pass and will therefore not negatively impact
the passage of boat riders.
12. 17 | | 18Aqualibrium Aqualibrium
stakeholders as maintenance requirements
are reduced. Also, the stability of the dike will
be improved here, ensuring better passage of
the boats. The increase of vegetation, within
the water tank, will be more attractive for
tourism and the ecology of this particular canal
area. In Figure 9b you can clearly see how the
canal bank will look more appealing, stable and
attractive than in its current state. As for who
should do the maintenance, it is in our belief
that this should be done by the garden holders,
or by a contracted maintenance firm who will
get the responsibility of the whole canal, as is
also mentioned in Chapter 5.3.
Figure 9a shows the current situation and figure b shows
the future situation of how the canal bank situated by the
gardens may look like.
The proposed intervention in Figure 7 requires
less maintenance when applied in a correct
way. However, the implementation costs
are relatively high. We suggest that the the
implementation of an underwater tank should
be taken up as a joint responsibility between
the garden owners and the NGOs. The garden
owners should supply the material needed, the
NGOs should provide technical assistance and
supply target plant species in theAlbufera, such
as Iris pseudacorus and Typha. The proposed
intervention will also benefit the boat rides
because vegetation will be easier to control.
5.2.3 PROPOSED VISION
A few years after the implementation, the state
as shown in Figure 8 could be reached. The
proposed intervention will benefit different
Figure 7: Schematic cross section of the operatilzation of the canal Carrerea del Saler in zone C.
Figure 8: Schematic cross section of the future state of the canal Carrerea del Saler in zone C.
Figure 9: Photo of the state of the canal Carrera del Saler in zone C (A) and an impression image (B).
taken and responsibilities to do so need to be distributed.
In Table 4, we give a suggestion on who could fulfill which
responsibilities in order to achieve the canal profiles
presented in Figure 4 and Figure 8.
5.3 DIVISION OF
RESPONSIBILITIES
The vision presented in this report is intended to
serve as a first step to stimulate stakeholders to work
together towards a pilot project. In order achieve the
implementation of a pilot project, further steps need to be
13. 19 | | 20Aqualibrium Aqualibrium
Table 4: Table showing who is responsible for different aspects.
5.4 DUTCH EXAMPLES
The alternative maintenance practices which
we used for the visions are based on dutch
examples. In Figure 10 you can see how a
gentle canal bank slope is implemented to
improve the banks of the Valei Kanaal. We used
this as inspiration for dike protection in zones
A&D. In figure 11 you can see how poles have
been used to protect the dikes in Delftland, the
same way we intended to protect zone C
Figure 10: Newly constructed gentle canal bank in the Valei Kanaal, in the Netherlands.
Figure 11: Newly constructed canal bank protection with poles in Delftland, in the Netherlands.
http://www.profextru.nl//projects/p49_Onderwaterbeschoeiing%20aug%202012-10.JPG (d30/06/2016)
14. 21 | | 22Aqualibrium Aqualibrium
The canal and bank management of the Carrera
del Saler does not provide the multiple functions
that stakeholders have an interest in. Currently,
the canal and bank management is focussed
on serving the agricultural function and to a
limited extend the navigation, ecology and
aesthetic functions. In addition, the agricultural
function is not adequately met. Aqualibrium has
proposed the implementation of gentle canal
bank slopes in zone A&B, and broadening
the dike in zone B. Gentle canal bank slopes
provide confining and stability of the canal
banks, which solves the main problem of the
farmers. Furthermore, gentle slopes support
the ecological quality of Carrera del Saler by
facilitating vegetation growth and nursery
grounds for fish and amphibians. The growth of
vegetation, for example the Iris pseudacorus,
contributes to the aesthetic function of the canal.
The proposed intervention requires, relative to
the use of debris, high investment costs, but
needs less maintenance compared. Deepen
the canal will also avoid vegetation growth in
the navigation area. In addition, the excavated
material from the bottom of the canal can be
used to broaden the dike in zone B.
For the zones C&D we proposed the
implementation of an underwater tank. The
underwater tank provides protection against
the impacts of the waves caused by passing
boats. They also allow for controlled vegetation
growthoftargetplantspeciesintheAlbuferaand
avoid vegetation growth in the navigation area
of tourism boats. This way, the implementation
of underwater tanks improve the ecological,
aesthetic and navigation functions of the canal.
The implementation costs are relatively high,
we suggest therefore that the task should be
taken up as a joint responsibility between the
garden owners and the NGOs.
However, simply changing the maintenance
practices is not enough. The observations and
the interviews show that there is no integrated
and anticipatory management and maintenance
approach for the canal and the banks of Carrera
del Saler. Instead, maintenance is merely
applied in a reactionist way. In addition, there
is ambivalence about where the maintenance
responsibilities lie. These two issues hinder
the implementation of integrated and multi-
functional canal management practices. In
order to achieve the vision presented in this
report, responsibilities need to be clearly
defined and the canal needs to be treated as a
unitary system. Therefore, having stakeholders
come together and debate and attribute
responsibilities needs to be the first step of
any change. Aqualibrium hopes that this report
can serve as an initiator of the dialog about
what functions stakeholders desire from Carrer
del Saler and how this can be realized. The
proposed vision in this report can support in this
process. To operationalize the implementation
of such a vision, further research is needed
about the legal responsibilities and stakeholder
perceptions of responsibilities.
This pilot project can help to overcome current
identified problems and manage canal banks
in a way that meet the multiple interests of
stakeholders. Therefore Aqualibrium has
created a vision of a multi-functional canal
with banks that are stable, water confining,
aesthetically pleasing to attract tourists and
support a high ecological value of the area.
The implementation of this vision needs to be
based on clearly defined responsibilities and an
integrated management plan which can serve
at short term as cornerstone for multifunctional
canal and bank management.
The purpose of this project is to raise awareness
on the impact of current management
practices on the functionality of the canal
Carrera de El Saler and to stimulate dialogue
between stakeholders about alternative canal
management practices. We have done this
through interviewing different stakeholders
about their desired functions of the canal
and about the interventions they propose
to strengthen these desired functions. The
identified ‘bottlenecks and nodes’ based on
the outcomes of the interviews, gave input to
the dialog during the final presentation of the
project. In addition, the interviews revealed the
fuzziness about maintenance responsibilities
over the canal. Therefore, we have given
suggestions on the division of maintenance
responsibilities, presented in Chapter 5.3.
Unfortunately, there was no possibility to
interview the owners of the informal vegetable
gardens in zone C. We have no information
about their interest in the current and proposed
management practices on the functionality
of the canal Carrera del Saler. However, we
assume that they benefit from our proposed
interventions, as the risk of waterlogging in the
gardens will decrease.
Due to time constraints, the assessment on
current state (structures, flora, indicators) and
the management practices in Carrera del Saler,
has been carried out on a general level and is
not very detailed. On the basis of the general
assessment, we have identified vulnerabilities
of canal. Through integrating the outcomes
of the interviews with the field observations
and Dutch examples of natural friendly canal
management, we proposed the implementation
of gentle canal bank slopes in zone A&B, and
implementation of an underwater tank in zone
C&D.
If an actual strategy for developing a pilot project
is to be developed, further research should be
conducted on the costs of various maintenance
approaches to find a feasible solution. In
addition, research has to be conducted on
whether the material obtained from deepening
the bed will be enough to broaden the dikes. If
this is not the case, new realistic sources for dike
material need to be identified and also space
for storage needs to be organised. A further
constraint to the implementation of the vision
presented in this report is the water quality of
Carrera del Saler. While more vegetation is
able to improve the water quality, its growth is
also constrained by it (Pim de Kwaadsteniet,
personal communication, May 31, 2016). Due
to time constraints, the water quality aspect is
not included in this project. Nevertheless, the
efforts to initiate this pilot project have to go
hand in hand with improving the water quality
of the system.
6DISCUSSION 7 CONCLUSION
15. i | | iiAqualibrium Aqualibrium
LITERATURE:
Degorski, M. (2004). Spatial variability of multifunctional landscape as the basis for potential
differences of regional „smart growth“ of rural areas – the examples from Poland. Rural Areas And
Development, 2.
Gren, I et al. Reg Environ Change (2010) 10: 339. doi:10.1007/s10113-009-0105-9
Hulshof, M., & Vos, J. (2016). Diverging realities: how framing, values and water management are
interwoven in the Albufera de Valencia wetland in Spain. Water International, 41(1), 107-124.
Jonker & Menkveld (1998) Planten in de polder: veldgids voor grasland, oever, sloot en plas. Schuyt
& Co uitgevers en importeurs, Haarlem.
Mondría-García, M. (2004). Jornada de Debate sobre el Desarrollo Sostenible de l’Albufera de
Valencia. Documento de Conclusiones. Valencia: Confederación Hidrográfica del Júcar.
Peeters, E. T. H. M., Veraart, A. J., Verdonschot, R. C. M., van Zuidam, J. P., de Klein, J. J. M., &
Verdonschot, P. F. M. (2014). Sloten: Ecologisch functioneren en beheer (p. 160). KNNV Uitgeverij
ism STOWA en Universiteit Wageningen.
Soria, J. M. (2006). Past, present and future of la Albufera of Valencia Natural Park. Limnetica,
25(1), 135-142.
Twisk, W., Noordervliet, M. A. W., & Ter Keurs, W. J. (2003). The nature value of the ditch vegetation
in peat areas in relation to farm management. Aquatic Ecology, 37(2), 191-209.
WEBSITES:
Retrieved on 2016, June 30 http://www.gvaoberta.gva.es/planes-y-regulacion-en-materia-de-
medio-ambiente
Retrieved on 2016, June 30 http://www.gvaoberta.gva.es/normativa-ambiental
Retrieved on 2016, June 30 http://www.gvaoberta.gva.es/instrumentos-de-ordenacion
ANNEX A - METHODOLOGY
Research strategy observations and measurements Carrera del Saler
Central in our research strategy for the field research necessary to answer the second sub-ques-
tion is that we start with general rough observations and move towards more detailed measure-
ments.
Method: Observations
• General vegetation cover will be determined by estimating the percentage of coverage.
• Land use next to canal (rice field, road, nature area, recreation etc.)
• Bank erosion spots, extent of debris (stones etc.), cleaning material (mud cover on banks).
• Sluices to the paddy fields.
• Milestones that used to determine the property and maintenance responsibility border between
farmers and municipality. Distance from canal will be measured.
• List of most common species (such as Arundo donax, Iris pseudacorus, Typha species and
Phragmites species) will be created. Observation of genus type and subsequently the density and
width in the canal of the plant species are determined according to respectively an ordinal 3-point
scale: sparse; moderate; dense and measurement in meters. Special attention will be given to the
observation of Arundo donax as this species has most harmful impact on the dike stability.
Method: Measurements
• Width of the banks will be measured from the end of the canal to the start of other land use (e.g.
paddy field or nature area, house etc.) with measuring-tape.
• Slope banks → using a level.
• Depth of the canal and slope of the underwater canal sidewall is determined by 5 measure points
in the canal. One is located in the middle of the canal and two on each side of the canal (one 20
centimeters from the bank and the second other 1.50 meter from the bank). This way a transect can
be made with a linear slope of the underwater sidewall.
• Material banks. Soil type of the bank will be determined according to a list of possible soil types.
Also grain size will be determined qualitatively.
• Thickness of mud in canal bed. Stick and measuring tape was used.
• Turbidity. With a Secchi disk the transparency of the water will be determined, which is the length
at which the contrast of the disk is not visible anymore.
Material needed for observations and measurements:
Water vegetation determination guide, measuring-tape, GPS, stick, Secchi disk, level and a boat.
Method: ArcGIS
The results of the observations and measurements will be mapped in themed assessment maps
8REFERENCES
9ANNEX
16. iii | | ivAqualibrium Aqualibrium
with ArcGIS to visualize the results and help identify landscape units. GPS locations linked to ordinal
observations of debris, dike width, arundo donax presence in Excel sheets are loaded in GIS and
depicted in maps.
The methods and activities regarding management practices consist of interviews and observations.
The sub-question will be an integral component of the interviews with different stakeholders as
described under sub-question 1. By asking stakeholders what their management practices are.
Subsequently, we will derive management practices from the observations during the field-research.
For example, the vegetation cover will tell us something about mowing patterns and mud on banks
will show the method used for cleaning of the canal.
Interviews (stakeholder selection)
Table 5: Topic List Stakeholder Interviews
Contents Interviews
Main introduction:
• Common introduction (chit-chat), we are students from Holanda and are interested in the Motas
of the canal and its management.
• Do you have time to talk about the Motas of the canal, this takes about 15 minutes?
• Since I talk a bit Spanish but my friend does not, to make the translation easier do you mind we
record this short interview?
• I will ask the questions and subsequently translate your answer to my friend.
End
• Thanking and goodbye
• In case of more formal interviews, exchange of contact data
Interview Rice Farmer – Canal Bank Management
• Where do you need the canal for?
• What other functions should the canal have?
»» Why (not)?
• What is your opinion about the state, stability, structure of the Mota?
• Could you explain the reason behind this opinion?
• What problems do you perceive with regard to the state, stability, structure of the Mota?
»» Why do you perceive these problems?
»» Why (not)?
• Do you apply any maintenance practices to the Mota yourself (cumbro, deposition of cleaning
material, mowing, herbicide) ?
»» So yes, what kind of maintenance practices and how long is the canal bank you maintain?
»» For how long have you been applying these maintenance practices?
»» Would you like to apply alternative maintenance practices?
»» Why (not)?
»» If so, what type of maintenance practices should be applied?
»» How often should these maintenance practices be applied?
»» Why (not)?
• Who should be responsible for the implementation of these practices?
»» Why this person/company?
Interview Boat Rider – Canal Bank Management
• Where do you need the canal for?
17. v | | viAqualibrium Aqualibrium
• What other functions should the canal have?
»» Why (not)?
• What is your opinion about the state, stability, structure of the Mota?
»» Could you explain the reason behind this opinion?
• What problems do you perceive with regard to the state, stability, structure of the Mota?
»» Why do you perceive these problems?
»» Why (not)?
»» Who is currently applying maintenance practices to the Mota?
»» What kind of maintenance practices?
»» How long have these maintenance practices been applied?
»» Should alternative maintenance practices be applied?
»» Why (not)?
»» If so, what type of maintenance practices should be applied?
• Who should be responsible for the implementation of these practices?
»» Why this person/company?
Interview employee Maintenance company – Canal Bank Management
• Where do you need the canal for?
• What other functions should the canal have?
»» Why (not)?
• What is your opinion about the state, stability, structure of the Mota?
• Could you explain the reason behind this opinion?
• What problems does your company perceive with regard to the state, stability, structure of the
Mota?
»» Why does your company perceive these problems?
»» Why (not)?
• What kind of maintenance practices does the company you’re working for apply to the Mota?
»» For how long have you been applying these maintenance practices?
»» Would your company like to apply alternative maintenance practices?
»» Why (not)?
»» If so, what type of maintenance practices would you like to apply?
• Who should be responsible for the implementation of these practices?
»» Why this person/company?
Interview contractor Maintenance company – Canal Bank Management
• What functions should the canal have?
»» Why (not)?
• What is your opinion about the state, stability, structure of the Mota?
• Could you explain the reason behind this opinion?
• What problems does your company perceive with regard to the state, stability, structure of the
Mota?
• Why does your company perceive these problems?
»» Why (not)?
• What kind of maintenance practices does the company apply to the Mota?
»» For how long has the company been applying these maintenance practices?
»» Would your company like to apply alternative maintenance practices?
»» Why (not)?
»» If so, what type of maintenance practices should be applied?
• Who should be responsible for the implementation of these practices?
»» Why this person/company?
Interview Nature NGO – Canal Bank Management
• Where do you need the canal for?
• What other functions should the canal have?
»» Why (not)?
• Do you think that a multifunctional canal is important for meeting the Natura2000 standards?
»» Why (not)?
• What is your opinion about the state, stability, structure of the Mota?
• Could you explain the reason behind this opinion?
• What problems do you perceive with regard to the state of the Mota?
• Why do you perceive these problems?
»» Why (not)?
• Does the NGO you’re working for apply any maintenance practices to the Mota?
»» So yes, what kind of maintenance practices?
»» For how long has the NGO been applying these maintenance practices?
»» Would the NGO you’re working fot like to apply alternative maintenance practices?
»» Why (not)?
18. vii | | viiiAqualibrium Aqualibrium
»» If so, what type of maintenance practices should be applied?
• Who should be responsible for the implementation of these practices?
»» Why this person/company?
Interview Nature Conservationist – Canal Bank Management
• Where do you need the canal for?
• What other functions should the canal have?
»» Why (not)?
• Do you think that a multifunctional canal is important for meeting the Natura2000 standards?
»» Why (not)?
• What is your opinion about the state, stability, structure of the Mota?
• Could you explain the reason behind this opinion?
• What problems do you perceive with regard to the state, stability, structure of the Mota?
• Why do you perceive these problems?
»» Why (not)?
• Do you apply any maintenance practices to the Mota yourself (cumbro, deposition of cleaning
material, mowing, herbicide) ?
»» So yes, what kind of maintenance practices and how long is the canal bank you maintain?
»» For how long have you been applying these maintenance practices?
»» Would you like to apply alternative maintenance practices?
»» Why (not)?
»» If so, what type of maintenance practices should be applied?
»» How often should these maintenance practices be applied?
»» Why (not)?
• Who should be responsible for the implementation of these practices?
»» Why this person/company?
Interview Municipality of Valencia– Canal Bank Management
• Where does the municipality need the canal for?
• What other functions should the canal have?
»» Why (not)?
• Do you think that a multifunctional canal is important for meeting the Natura2000 standards?
»» Why (not)?
• What is your opinion about the state, stability, structure of the Mota?
• Could you explain the reason behind this opinion?
• What problems do you perceive with regard to the state of the Mota?
• Why do you perceive these problems?
»» Why (not)?
• Does the municipality you apply/delegate any maintenance practices to the Mota?
»» So yes, what kind of maintenance practices?
»» For how long has these maintenance practices been applied?
»» Would the municipality like to apply alternative maintenance practices?
»» Why (not)?
»» If so, what type of maintenance practices should be applied?
• Who should be responsible for the implementation of these practices?
»» Why this person/company?
Birdlife international
Do you consider the canals in Albufera natural parks as important landscape elements for bird
habitat and conservation?
If so, what are the main habitat elements/aspects you need in a canal for bird conservation?
Are there currently projects that contain specific measures that improve these habitat elements at
the canal banks for bird habitat and conservation?
19. ix | | xAqualibrium Aqualibrium
ANNEX B - CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
This report applies the concept of multi-functionality to canal management.According to Gren (2010),
wetlands provide multiple services which are not valued in monetary terms such as biodiversity or
scenic beauty. However, the Carrera del Saler in the Albufera wetland does not contribute sufficiently
in these aspects. Instead, it focuses on serving agro-economic interests (Hulshof & Vos, 2016).
Multi-functional landscape design is referred to in many EU documents, as it is considered one of
the prerequisites of sustainable growth and harmony between stakeholders (Degorski, 2004)
In this project proposal the definition of a canal is used from Peeters et al., (2014): a canal is an
artificial water body that functions as a water transportation and has usually a width between 10 to
15 meters, is relatively shallow (up to 1.5 meters), contains almost permanently water and is part
of a larger system of watercourses. The conceptual framework as shown in Figure 2 will be used.
The state of a canal is determined by the hydrology, substances and structures on which the human
influence has an effect. This project is about management practices of the canal and canal banks
and their effect on the different functions of the canal. The focus of the project is on the interventions
and management of the structures domain of the canal. When analyzing structures, we will focus
a.o. on vegetation cover, bank slopes, erosion, substrate depth and cross section of the canal.
However, structures and management are not the only factors that influence the functions of the
canal. Therefore, we will also take the hydrological (surface and groundwater) features of the area
and substances (e.g. turbidity) of the canal into account. For hydrology we will mainly focus on water
level management and aspects important for irrigation and drainage functions of the canal. When
we refer to the state of the Carrera de El Saler we refer to the categories and relations between
Structures and Canal management practices which in turn determine different functions of the canal.
The different categories of ecological factors and human influence are defined as follows:
• Structures are defined as the the characteristics of the habitat structures at different scales of both
the canal and the canal banks (Peeters et al., 2014). This includes the longitudinal and cross section
of the canal. The shape determines the prevalence of different vegetation mosaics (distribution of
e.g. mersive, submersive, floating, bank vegetation). This category includes dike height, width and
slope. This category is important for determining possible interventions and its consequences for the
functions of the canal.
• Substances is defined as the chemical factors and processes that are determined by water
movements of the canal system, external inputs (e.g. atmospheric deposition) and local processes
(e.g. denitrification) (Peeters et al., 2014). Because the substances are largely determined by the total
canal system, for this research the emphasis is on structures.
• Most important of the category of Hydrology for this project is the water level management. This
factor determines possible interventions such as changing the bank slope. The velocity of the water
is not considered to be a crucial factor.
• Canal management practices considered in this research are mainly canal bed and bank
maintenance, water level, invasive species and habitat management. Also potential human
interventions on structures are considered, for example changing bank and underwater sidewall
slope creating terraced banks.
• Functions is defined as the role of the canal for human use. The aim of multifunctional canal
management comprises combining the four functions of ecology, irrigation/drainage, tourism and
navigation. Stakeholders emphasize the importance of different functions of the canal.
Figure 12: Conceptual Framework
20. xi | xii |Aqualibrium Aqualibrium
ANNEX C - BOTTLENECKS AND OPPORTUNITIES OVERVIEW
* Interviewed by Nicholas Hawking, MSc student Environmental Sciences at the Wageningen
University.
Table 6: Overview of addressed bottlenecks by stakeholders
Table 7: Overview of addressed nodes/opportunities by stakeholders
21. xiii | xiv |Aqualibrium Aqualibrium
ANNEX D - CROSS SECTIONS
Figure 13: Cross sections of Carrera del Saler. Depicted are the canal depth, bank and dike height in combination with the thickness
of the silt layer relative to the water level of the canal. Also the canal width can be derived from the cross sections
Map 5: Locations of the cross sections of Figure 1 in Carrera del Saler.
22. xv | | xviAqualibrium Aqualibrium
ANNEX E - AQUALIBRIUM TEAM MEMBERS
Mert Blommestijn
Bachelor: BSc Liberal Arts & Sciences with a major in Environmen-
tal Sciences at Utrecht University.
Master (Specialisation): MSc International Land & Water Manage-
ment with a specialisation in Adaptive Water Management at Wage-
ningen University.
Previous Projects: Internship at the Center for Coastal Resilience
and Urban eXcellence (CRUX), Stevens Institute of Technology, Ho-
boken (USA). Main activity was modelling flash floods in Hoboken.
Added value within this project: My interdisciplinary background
could be of use. I have experience in finding common ground and
creating a more comprehensive understanding. Thus, not only
analyzing different aspects, but really connect and integrate different
views of stakeholders as well as different biophysical characteristics
(ecological and morphological) of the research object (the canal).
Eva Diestelhorst
Bachelor: International Land & Water Management with a minor in
Development and Policies in a Globalizing World
Master (Specialisation): International Land & Water Management
with a specialization in Adaptive Water Management
Previous Projects: Research internship about groundwater irrigation
and water balances in Morocco
Added value within this project: Due to my bsc in Land and Water
management which focussed on hydrology, erosion, irrigation and
drainage I can function as a technical expert on these issues during
this project.
Amanda Krijsgman
Bachelor: International Land and Water Management, Wageningen
University, with a minor in Green Blue Cities, Future Proof Neigh-
bourhoods.
Master (Specialisation): International Land & Water Management
with a specialization in Irrigation and Water Management
Previous Projects: Assistant in the project “GreenInfra4Beira”, an
urban storm water management project in the second capital of Mo-
zambique. The project was a collaboration between researchers from
Deltaris, Alterra Wageningen UR, Witteveen&Bos, Wissing Urban
planning and the Catholic University of Beira. Conduct fieldwork on
the planned (a)biotic conditions of a planned water retention area.
Participation in the stakeholder workshop.
Added value within this project: Motivated International Land and
Water Management under-graduate (MSc) with communication,
organisation and scientific analysing skills. Looking for an opportu-
nity to apply her integrated knowledge of socio-economics and water
management to the complex situation of Carrera de El Saler.
Joy Pengel
Bachelor: Landscape Architecture and Planning. Specialisation:
Landscape Architecture and a minor in International Land and Wa-
ter Management.
Master (Specialisation): International Land and Water Management,
with a specialisation in Adaptive Water Management. Plus the mas-
ter Landscape Architecture and Planning, with a major in Landscape
Architecture.
Previous Projects: Creating a landscape design for a farm of 500
Hectares while using the permacultural principles in Vila do Bispo,
South of Portugal. Researching the most effective and precise way
to calculate the water flow when doing fieldresearch in Ethiopia.
Designing a green and sustainable, self supportive neighbourhood
(Geworteld Wonen) in RijswijnBuiten in the Netherlands.
Added value within this project: With my bachelor background I can
help with making the visualisations and have already some experi-
ences in creating landscape management plans. Furthermore, I will
ensure that the organization within the project goes smoothly and
hopefully without any problems.
Sjoerd Pietersen
Bachelor: BSc. Forest Management and Nature Conservation. Spe-
cialization: Tropical Forestry,
Master (Specialisation): MSc International Land and Watermanage-
ment. Specialization: Sustainable Land Management
Team Role: External communication with Dutch and Spanish river
and canal bank experts, farmer organizations and other relevant
stakeholders. Furthermore, I will act as the Team’s translator.
Previous Projects: Elaboration of a mangrove nursery management
plan in México, Forest management plan for a community forest in
Surinam. Thesis on assessing valuable ligneous plant species in Mex-
ican agroforestry system. Literature research on gender relations
within agroforestry value chains for LEI (Landbouw Economisch
Instituut) Wageningen.
Added value within this project: Experience with GIS, Ability to
speak Spanish, experience with doing fieldwork in humid tropical
conditions.
