Who Are we Measuring and Modeling for? Supporting Multilevel Decision‐Making in Watershed Management

Abstract:

As watershed management programs have become more common globally, so have efforts to

support these initiatives through hydrologic modeling and monitoring. However, these efforts are often

guided by oversimplified assumptions of how management programs work and the quantity, quality, and

type of information needed to support their planning, implementation, and evaluation. Semi‐structured

interviews and focus groups with project managers, funders, and participants in three watershed

management programs in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil revealed a range of hydrologic modeling and

monitoring needs of watershed management programs. We identify five opportunities for hydrologic

information to support overlapping management contexts: (1) inspire action and support, (2) inform

investment decisions, (3) engage with potential participants, (4) prioritize location and types of activities at

regional to national scales, and (5) evaluate program success. Within these opportunities, understanding

who will use the information generated and how they will do so is critical to increasing the salience,

credibility, and legitimacy of modeling efforts. Hydrologic modeling and monitoring play a small but

critical role in the larger context of program conceptualization, design, implementation, and evaluation;

grounding these efforts in local contexts supports watershed management projects in relevant and

effective ways.