A multi-dimensional approach to assess water-security risks in river basins

The term water security was launched in 2000. 22 years have passed since then and the world is still experiencing high levels of water insecurity, and vulnerable communities and nations are the receptors of the most devastating consequences of such condition. Climate and socio-economic change can exacerbate water insecurity for all. To contribute to a better understanding of water-security risks in river basins, the authors of this paper present here an approach to assess water-security risks in five dimensions and four scales, and based on systems perspective, hydrocomplexity, risk science, participation of river basin relevant parties, and prioritisation process. Our proposed approach involves six steps: identification of the whole universe of water-security hazards for a specific river basin; qualitative description of the hazard impacts by scales and dimensions; prioritisation of impacts to be fully assessed; full risk assessment of prioritised impacts by analysis of hazards, exposure, vulnerabilities, uncertainties, and the strength of the knowledge; risk visualization; and outlining a risk management plan. We claim this approach could be useful for communities, organisations, academics, and practitioners dealing with or involved in water security. This is an ongoing project, and we are currently developing this approach in two municipalities in Colombia.