Author(s): Chee Hui Lai; David T. Tan; Ngai Weng Chan; Nor Azazi Zakaria
Linked Author(s): Ngai Weng Chan, Nor Azazi Zakaria
Keywords: Integrated river basin management; System thinking; Complex systems; Community involvement
Abstract: River management is a complex process, encompassing not only the physical characteristics of a river basin but also a collaboration with all relevant stakeholders. Poor stakeholder engagement and low awareness among local communities are key challenges for many countries in managing complex river systems. This study applied a system thinking approach to investigate root causes of pollution in the Pinang River—a polluted urban river located in George Town, Penang, Malaysia. Study data was collected through a literature review and interviews with local stakeholders. Based on the results, a causal loop diagram was produced that illustrates the relationship between the local community and the government with regards to improving the water quality of the Pinang River. The current river management system of the Pinang River can be described with the “Shifting the Burden” systems archetype: the current approach depends largely on technological solutions that treat the symptoms of pollution but are unable to address root causes. Apart from implementing technological solutions to improve the river water quality, additional efforts are necessary to increase community involvement in managing the Pinang River. The study demonstrates how system thinking approaches can be a tool for exploring and clarifying root causes of river pollution issues, enabling development of long-term policies in rehabilitating a polluted river.
Year: 2018