Conceptualization of a new methodological approach for the evaluation of water resources vulnerability

Water resources are under increasing pressure worldwide. The complexity of the water resource system with multiple components affecting it makes problem analysis more difficult and complex. This paper proposes a new methodological approach for the assessment of water resource vulnerability. The conceptual framework for vulnerability assessment is multi-dimensional and takes into account physiographic, socio-economic, and institutional and governance components, as well as eco-environmental aspects and water quality. This approach involves four (4) main steps: the selection of factors or parameters, the weighting of factors, the normalization of factor values into sub-indices, and the aggregation of the sub-indices into a composite index. The result of the vulnerability assessment is expected to be displayed in a Geographic Information System (GIS) environment, followed by a sensitivity analysis, and a scenario of the future vulnerability of water resources based on current vulnerability.

Keywords: Water resources, Vulnerability factors, Vulnerability index, Morocco