Jenkins B. 2016. Sustainability analysis of the management approach for six New Zealand lakes. Lake Reserv Manage. 32:101-“115.
This paper describes a methodology for sustainability analysis based on failure pathways that can lead to the loss of system sustainability. For these failure pathways, critical variables can be identified by threshold values that define when the system changes from its sustainable state. The methodology also considers any management interventions being undertaken to address failure pathways and whether the extent of intervention is adequate to ensure the critical variables for the failure pathways remain below their threshold values. This methodology was then applied to the current management approaches for 6 New Zealand lakes: Lake Taupo, Lake Brunner, Lake Rotorua, Lake Omapere, Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere, and Waituna Lagoon. Although diffuse nutrient pollution from land use intensification is affecting water quality of all of the lakes, the analysis identifies different failure pathways and different critical variables, implying the need for different management interventions to achieve desired water quality outcomes. Overall findings were (1) that all lakes will require reductions in land use intensification in their catchments to achieve sustainable water quality; (2) there is evidence of positive innovations that could potentially improve water quality; and (3) the level of management intervention is insufficient to achieve the desired water quality objectives for the lakes.
