The integration of Expert and Stakeholder Cognitive Models to support Environmental Monitoring

The transition towards an adaptive approach to the water resources management (AM) is leading to a growing demand of information in environmental decision-making. In an adaptive approach, monitoring becomes the primary tool for learning about the system and assessing the management strategies. Nevertheless, professional monitoring faces several important challenges, especially in countries where financial and human resources are limited. In our work, the usability of local knowledge to support environmental monitoring has been investigated. Several shortcomings are hampering the use of local knowledge. The data credibility is among the most important ones. To address this issue, we propose a methodology based on the integration between stakeholders knowledge and expert knowledge. Cognitive modelling has been used to disclose individual perceptions and understanding of the system. The integrated cognitive model is used as basis for the development of an expert system able to assess the reliability of local knowledge. The methodology is under experimental implementation to support soil salinity monitoring in the Amudarya River Basin using local knowledge for a qualitative assessment. The preliminary results of the experimentation are described in this contribution.