Abstract
The USDA-Funded Sustainable Agricultural Water Conservation research program is a joint Texas State University System (TSUS) project. A Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (TDA) outline has been developed for the purpose of guiding the research projects, while allowing for the functional merging of the diverse research capabilities available within the TSUS system. A rating-system for the integrity of areas under study also is being created to facilitate the interpretation of study results. The objectives of the study are to assess the present environmental status of the Rio Grande and its resources relative to the entire drainage basin. The broad focal points of the study include: a. Physical and biologic environment of the basin; b. Socioeconomic characteristics of the Basin; c. Water uses and demands; d. Policies and legislation; e. Institutions; f. Environmental degradation; g. Development of a basin wide action plan for the environmentally sustainable use of the Rio Grande. We require that researchers funded through the project conduct research directed toward the evaluation of one or more of the stated focal points of the study. For quantification of results, we require that researchers identify the spatial coverage area addressed by their research relative to the Rio Grande Basin and that they recommend a metric or indicator scale for grading the integrity of the subject under study. It is intended that grading the integrity of study-areas will facilitate analysis of the constraints to sustainable use of this important transboundary water system by its stakeholders.
Comments
Abstracts of presentations given on Wednesday, 19 July 2006, in session 15 of the UCOWR Conference.