Research papersA tempo-spatial-distributed multi-objective decision-making model for ecological restoration management of water-deficient rivers

- This study presents a tempo-spatial-distributed multi-objective decision model.
- The model addresses optimization decision both spatially and temporally.
- The model is developed for Yongding River basin, China.
- The optimized results demonstrates the feasibility and rationality of the model.
- The optimal scheme consistent with the actual designed engineering was found.

Worldwide, many rivers experience water deficiency to such an extent that artificial water recharge is the only option for their ecological restoration. In this contribution, a framework was proposed for scenario-based, integrated decision-making, and evaluation of spatial and temporal multi-objectives for the ecological restoration of water-deficient rivers. Firstly, water-deficient rivers are divided into different regions using a GIS tool according to their spatial distribution characteristics. Secondly, decision objectives and variables are chosen, and scenarios are established for different regions over both spatial and temporal scales. Thirdly, the improved principal component projection (IPCP) method is applied to evaluate the different scenarios. Finally, coupled with the output data, scenarios for whole rivers are then optimally combined. Accordingly, decision-makers can then choose satisfactory scenarios as decision schemes. The framework is then tested through a case study in support of decision-making for the ecological restoration of the Yongding River using artificially recharged and recycled water. The case study demonstrates that the proposed framework was practical and effective for Yongding river ecological restoration with artificial recharge. It is also capable of identifying optimal restoration scenarios from a range of scenarios generated by the newly developed decision-support system.