title: Catchment-wide wetland assessment and prioritization using the multi-criteria decision-making method TOPSIS.
abstract: It is widely accepted that wetland ecosystems are under threat worldwide. Many communities are now trying to establish wetland rehabilitation programs, but are confounded by a lack of objective information on wetland condition or significance. In this study, a multi-criteria decision-making method, TOPSIS (the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution), was adapted to assist in the role of assessing wetland condition and rehabilitation priority in the Clarence River Catchment (New South Wales, Australia). Using 13 GIS data layers that described wetland character, wetland protection, and wetland threats, the wetlands were ranked in terms of condition. Through manipulation of the original model, the wetlands were prioritized for rehabilitation. The method offered a screening tool for the managers in choosing potential candidate wetlands for rehabilitation in a region.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ecosystem Management School of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resources Management, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia. cliu@une.edu.au
authors.forename: Canran
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Frazier
authors.forename: Lalit
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Kumar
authors.forename: Catherine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Macgregor
authors.forename: Nigel
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Blake
mesh_terms: D003659:Decision Making, Organizational; D017753:Ecosystem; D004782:Environmental Health; D009517:New South Wales