Informational cognitive model applied to the water resources management

• Main Authors: Baganha Jr, LG, Baganha Barp, AR, Barp, W J, Lamond, B F, Lang, P
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cognitive ability; Cognitive maps; Cognitive models; Computer applications; Computer programs; Mapping; Sanitation; Software; Software development tools; Water resources; Water resources management
• ISSN: 1746-448X; 1743-3541
• DOI: 10.2495/RM070031

Tucunduba's basin in Brazil was chosen for the area of research into the development of a cognitive computational causal structure that was capable of identifying and qualifying the potential conflict processes generated from the multiple uses of the water in this urban basin, and to use the information in making decisions as to the possible scope of structural and non-structural actions. The use of a qualitative model in the area of water resources, using informational methodologies like the software Decision Explorer, aims not only to understand the water aspects, but also the social and indispensable aspects in taking a decision in a conflict scenario regarding the use of these resources. This software is a tool for the development of the cognitive mapping, where concept gathering representative causes and effects will be joined through a coded visualization. The conflicting identification and qualification caused by the multiple uses of the water has been carried out through interviews with specialists in the area of management and sanitation. This information was added to a map with the purpose of proving the hypothesis formulated in the research, through the use of analysis tools to assist the problem identification due to the multiple use of the water, from existing structural and non-structural measures (or proposals), in order to provide the manager with more effective solutions to solve these problems. It can be said that this group of items illustrate the main measures to be observed by the manager, in order to solve the conflicts for the multiple use of the basin, highlighted by the interviews and individual cognitive maps. The conclusions reached were mainly by means of the researcher's intervention and interpretation of the data and based on these analyses an understanding of the systems is obtained, potential conflicts identified with their causes and effects, and suggestions for mitigating measures proposed.