A Conceptual Decision-Making Framework for River Ecological Flow Based on a Dynamic Balance Between the Supply and Demand of Stakeholders

Improving the protection level of river ecological flow (e-flow) can disrupt the balance of interests among various stakeholders in a region, potentially slowing down the protection process. To mitigate these negative impacts, we introduce a conceptual decision-making framework for modeling river e-flow, based on a dynamic equilibrium between the supply and demand of stakeholders. In this model, the willingness to pay for river e-flow protection is defined as the compensation supply from beneficiaries, while agricultural economic losses represent the compensation demand from affected parties. Illustrated with the Linjiacun section of the Baoji segment of the Weihe River (BSWHR), the main conclusions are as follows: (1) A conceptual decision-making framework for modeling the river e-flow is proposed, and deemed reasonable and feasible through rational analysis; (2) The e-flow of rivers in a typical dry year was 6.64 m³/s, and it increased with the increasing runoff; (3) The impact of changes in living standards and runoff on the e-flow in rivers was revealed, leading to the proposal of two policies for e-flow management; (4) This paper qualitatively analyzed the contrasts and relationships between the newly proposed model and mainstream methods (detailed in introduction), discussing the advantages, applicability, and prospect of this decision-making model. This model can provide an important theoretical and technical basis for the optimal management of water resources.