Red River AI water management

Improving the water usage in the Delta area

❗ A joint research project led by University of Brescia in collaboration

with Thuyloi University

Aim of the project

This project focuses on the use of AI techniques for the water management of the Red River Delta area in Vietnam. In this area, the complex river network is characterized by the presence of a system of dams designed to address sometimes conflicting objectives: generating hydropower to foster the local economy and social activities, regulating the flood events occurring downstream during the rainy season, supplying water for agriculture in the low flow season, contrasting SeaWater Intrusion (SWI) in the estuaries of the rivers.

Artificial Intelligence techniques will optimize reservoir operations by identifying the more suitable management policies in the current and projected climatic conditions. In particular, our project focuses on optimizing water supply for agriculture and energy production in the low-flow season while contrasting SWI in the Red River Delta. The Hoa Binh reservoir is the focus of our research project because it has a key role in water management downstream and contributes a major part to the Vietnamese power network. However, in extreme weather conditions, when the impact of climate change is more intense, it would be important to extend the study to consider multi-reservoir systems to satisfy other constraints.

Data

Sample data of reservoirs level, river water level and discharge, salinity concentration, water demand for irrigation and hydropower, rainfall, for a period at least 12 years long, covering the operation of the most important reservoirs including Tuyen Quang, will be made available in compliance with the FAIR Data Principles with the authorization of the Data Provider, which is the MONRE, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of Vietnam. Additionally, we also intend to distribute the synthetic datasets created in WP4 to assess the efficacy of our approach in challenging environmental conditions, such as an exceptionally arid period, an extended demand for energy production, or a significant rise in sea level resulting from global warming.

Equity Considerations

Ensuring equitable distribution of water resources and preventing saltwater intrusion (SWI) in river estuaries are vital for fairness among different groups and environmental protection. Alongside optimization goals, factors like sectoral needs and environmental sustainability must be considered. Intergenerational equity is crucial to safeguard future water access. SWI prevention impacts water quality, biodiversity, and ecosystem services. Community involvement in decision-making promotes fairness. Inclusivity in language and diverse perspectives in learning materials will be prioritized, recognizing gender neutrality in translations. These principles guide the project, aiming for equitable water use and SWI prevention while respecting cultural, gender, and racial diversity

Ethical Considerations

Ethical considerations, alongside equity, play a crucial role in ensuring respect for individual and community rights and environmental protection. Our AI project prioritizes ethical principles to guide development and deployment. Access to clean water is a fundamental human right, demanding equal access for all communities regardless of location. Transparency and public involvement are essential for responsible and ethical water resource management and SWI prevention. Decision-making processes must be open and inclusive, involving local communities in developing solutions. Responsibility for water resource management lies with governments, industry, and the public, necessitating accountability and ethical behavior. The project aims to establish transparent decision-making processes, empowering all stakeholders to participate in safeguarding water resources responsibly.

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