Socioeconomic analysis within an interdisciplinary spatial decision support system for an integrated management of the Werra River Basin

The implementation of the European Water Framework Directive is highly challenging to researchers, planning authorities and stakeholders. Presenting results from an interdisciplinary research project at the Werra River in central Germany, this paper focuses on a socioeconomic analysis and its integration into a spatial decision support system (SDSS). Starting from a status quo description, two baseline scenarios concerning the use of land and water up to the years 2015 and 2021 have been formulated. Potential measures to reach a good ecological status have been evaluated in a cost and benefit analysis. Additionally, an actor network analysis and an institutional analysis were carried out to evaluate the acceptance and social dimension of the potential policy measures. A newly formulated “cooperation index” summarizes these findings. Finally, a spatial decision support system helps to integrate and evaluate planning results from all disciplines involved (hydrology, ecology, sanitary engineering, social sciences). The system provides a tool for decision makers and stakeholders to screen and discuss alternative strategies for the implementation of the Water Framework Directive.