Infrastructure developments that fragment river basins have profound consequences for ecosystems, biodiversity, water resources and local communities. One of the primary outcomes is the loss of habitat and biodiversity, as natural habitats are destroyed or degraded by infrastructure such as dams, road crossings and irrigation structures. This fragmentation disrupts connectivity between different parts of the river, preventing the movement of species and genetic exchange and negatively impacting fish populations, migratory species and other aquatic organisms.

This brief outlines the significance of spatial planning in water resource management, specifically in addressing habitat fragmentation and the challenges posed by fish passage barriers. Through advanced tools like the Fish Barrier Prioritization Support System (FBPSS), GIS technology is harnessed to efficiently identify, assess, and prioritize these barriers. Integrating a wealth of proxy information—from landscape characteristics to hydrological data—the methodology provides a nuanced framework for conservation, even in settings with limited resources. A shift towards basin-scale strategies emphasizes a holistic view, considering the cumulative impacts of multiple barriers. By leveraging these advanced techniques and data-driven insights, the intent is to foster sustainable water management, preserving both ecological integrity and the broader welfare of communities that rely heavily on these aquatic resources.

Funding for the development of this brief was received from the Australian Water Partnership, which is supported by the Australian Government as part of the Next Generation Irrigation and Water Management Programme, from the FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific as part of the Asia Pacific Water Scarcity Programme, and the FAO Regional Office for Near East and North Africa as part of the Regional Technical Platform on Water Scarcity.

To read the full report, visit the following link: 

Mapping River Infrastructure for Improved Water Resource Management