The Adaptive Water Resources Management Based on a Matrix of Approaches and an Integral Status Indicator
Khvesyk M. A., Levkovska L. V., Mandzyk V. M., Cherednichenko I. G.

Khvesyk, Mykhailo A. et al. (2025) “The Adaptive Water Resources Management Based on a Matrix of Approaches and an Integral Status Indicator.” The Problems of Economy 3:371–380.
https://doi.org/10.32983/2222-0712-2025-3-371-380

Section: Economics of Natural Resources and Environment

UDC 556.18:005.21(477)

Abstract:
The article substantiates and validates a methodological framework for adaptive water resource management in Ukraine, integrating a matrix of conceptual approaches (sectoral, ecosystem, integrated, adaptive) with an indicator-based assessment of water resource status. An integrated water resource status indicator (IWR) is proposed, constructed as the average of two normalized indicators: natural freshwater availability (a positive indicator) and the proportion of polluted/insufficiently treated discharges in the total volume (a negative indicator). The data are aggregated, interpreted using a threshold scale, and the results are linked to the management matrix to support differentiated decision-making. Testing on regional data demonstrated the adequacy of the calculations and the suitability of the IWR for interregional comparisons and for ranking priorities in management decisions in Ukraine’s water sector. It is found that the fastest improvements in the integrated assessment are achieved by reducing the share of polluted discharges; in several regions, disparities have been noted where high water availability is offset by poor wastewater treatment performance. It is recommended to combine the modernization of treatment facilities and nature-oriented solutions with integrated water resources management tools and stakeholder participation. Methodological warnings concern possible gaps and distortions in data in regions affected by military aggression impacts, highlighting the need for verification and restoration of water resource monitoring. The scientific novelty lies in combining indicator-based assessment with a management approach matrix within the adaptive cycle of «monitoring – assessment – correction», while the practical significance lies in the possibility of institutionalizing the approach in river basin management plans and prioritizing investments in water infrastructure restoration.

Keywords: adaptive management, integral indicator, water resources, nature-oriented solutions, wastewater, basin planning.

Tabl.: 2. Formulae: 2. Bibl.: 16.

Khvesyk Mykhailo A. – Doctor of Sciences (Economics), Professor, Deputy Director, M. Ptukha Institute of Demography and Quality of Life Research of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (60 Shevchenka Blvd., Kyiv, 01032, Ukraine)
Email: levlv@ukr.net
Levkovska Ludmyla V. – Doctor of Sciences (Economics), Professor, Head of Department, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Safety, M. Ptukha Institute of Demography and Quality of Life Research of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (60 Shevchenka Blvd., Kyiv, 01032, Ukraine)
Email: levlv@ukr.net
Mandzyk Valerii M. – Doctor of Sciences (Economics), Senior Research Fellow, Chief research scientist, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Safety, M. Ptukha Institute of Demography and Quality of Life Research of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (60 Shevchenka Blvd., Kyiv, 01032, Ukraine)
Email: mandzykv@gmail.com
Cherednichenko Iuliia G. – Candidate of Sciences (Economics), Leading Researcher, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Safety, M. Ptukha Institute of Demography and Quality of Life Research of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (60 Shevchenka Blvd., Kyiv, 01032, Ukraine)
Email: voda2025@i.ua

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