Wednesday 25 Jan 2017
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Vulnerability Assessment

 

Master thesis in the field of vulnerability analyses was finished, February 2016

In February 2016 a master thesis with the title "Potentials of Earth observation data for the derivation of vulnerability indicators for the Yellow River Delta" was finished. The master student from HafenCity University Hamburg, Germany analysed all geospatial datasets for the Yellow River Delta available within the DELIGHT project, as well as all project results derived from remote sensing data, such as land cover, land use change, and water surface, etc. with respect to vulnerability of the Yellow River Delta towards impacts of industrial development on natural resources and on the population. Several vulnerability maps (see Figures 1 - 3) were generated to inform about the exposure of the river deltas natural resources and inhabitants towards different threads such as floods, water pollution, air pollution, etc.

Vulnerabilty Assessment - Analyses of field work and questionnaires

The questionnaires were conducted to gain insight regarding to how pollution events, flooding events, erosion, and salinization affect the local population and their livelihood. Below, the results of several questions are presented. Most of the people interviewed farmed more than one crop. Farmers that farmed a crop were often also involved in livestock or aquaculture activities. With this definition, 70 people were involved in agricultural activities.

Assessing pressure and vulnerability with Questionnaires and Field Work

The Yellow River Delta is undergoing rapid changes in development. It is the second largest oil field in China, while harboring precious nature reserves and wildlife. There are constant pressures between Residential, Industrial, Agricultural and Natural environments. However, also weather, flood and pollution related events can impact these spheres. In order to get an impression of the different factors at work in the Yellow River Delta, the area has been extensively visited and numerous questionnaires have been performed amongst farmers, fishermen and laborers living in the rural areas.

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