Using concept maps as a tool to understand water resources management in the Rio Grande basin

Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) requires the interdisciplinary intervention, and the representativity and participation from all stakeholders in the watershed. This study proposes the application of concept maps methodology as a tool to improve comprehension of the Rio Grande watershed management. IWRM is a known concept in Panama, however, there is no background in the application of concept maps to design Watershed Management Plans. First, we selected the Rio Grande Watershed because its representativity in the country. It has a total surface area of 2.384,2 km2, where water is used for agriculture, commerce, industries, human consumption, hydropower, and other uses. Then we designed and applied a problem and solution matrix, according to the IWRM toolbox from the Global Water Partnership (GWP). Based on the matrix, concept maps were designed for each IWRM aspect taken into consideration. Concept maps achieved to illustrate, in a simpler way, the interconnectivity and relation among each element that integrates each IWRM aspect. In this way, comprehension is improved and hence the application of measurements to achieve the design and implementation of efficient Watershed Management Plans.