Adaptation Pathways to foster Water Governance under Climate Change in Mountain Regions: A case study from Valle dei Laghi (Italy)

Abstract ID: 3.12694 | Accepted as Talk | Requested as: Talk | TBA | TBA

Valentina D'alonzo (1)
Giorgia, Robbiati (2); Silvia, Cocuccioni (3); Silvia, Santato (4); Chiara, Castellani (4); Sebastiano, Carrer (4); Elisa, Andreoli (4); Francesco, Bressi (5); Nicolò, Franceschetti (6)

(1) Eurac Research, via A. Volta 13/A, 39100 Bolzano, IT
(2) BIM Sarca Mincio Garda, Viale Dante Alighieri, 46, 38079 Tione di Trento, Italy
(3) Eurac Research, Viale Druso, 1, 39100 Bolzano, Italy
(4) Thetis S.p.A., Castello 2737/f, 30122 Venezia, Italy
(5) Waterjade S.r.l., Viale Dante, 300, 38057 Pergine Valsugana, Italy
(6) Environmental Technological Solutions S.r.l., Via Molini, 2, 38060 Nogaredo, Italy

Categories: Adaptation, Water Resources
Keywords: adaptation pathways, water-related controversies, water scarcity

Categories: Adaptation, Water Resources
Keywords: adaptation pathways, water-related controversies, water scarcity

Abstract
The content was (partly) adapted by AI
Content (partly) adapted by AI

In mountain areas, climate change is altering precipitation patterns, reducing the availability of critical water resources through declining snowfall, glacial retreat, and changing hydrological cycles. This shift intensifies competition among water users (e.g. agriculture, hydropower and tourism), leading to controversies that challenge existing governance structures. Within H2020 IMPETUS project, the case study of Valle dei Laghi (Italy) exemplifies these tensions, where competing demands for irrigation, energy generation and environmental conservation require innovative governance solutions. This study implements a stepwise methodology to develop alternative adaptation pathways for sustainable water management, addressing seasonal water scarcity and competing resource usages in a mountain context. The methodology integrates climate and hydrological modelling with stakeholder engagement to move toward long-term sustainability of water management. Results indicate that the increasing pressure on water resources in scarcity conditions, particularly under high-emission scenarios, will lead to imbalances in the current regulated water supply system resulting in the need for new management frameworks and collaborative mechanisms. Different adaptation pathways are proposed to support a participatory governance, emphasizing coordination among stakeholders. The adaptation pathways combine different adaptation options, including integrating climate resilience into spatial planning, expanding water retention measures, and improving multipurpose reservoirs. Other options, such as waste water harvesting, water-sharing agreements and adaptive licensing for hydropower plants, are identified as critical solutions, though challenging, to balance competing needs. The findings underscore the necessity of embedding stakeholder negotiation mechanisms within water governance to ensure equitable and evidence-based decision-making. The case study demonstrates that, in a context where the water cycle is strongly influenced by the hydropower sector, adaptation options in the domain of planning, knowledge and capacity-building are essential to implement a wide range of physical, technological and nature-based solutions with measurable effects on water availability. Furthermore, by fostering cross-sectoral dialogue and enhancing institutional cooperation, mountain regions can navigate the complexity between water security, economic viability, and environmental sustainability.