Decision support through the application of the AHP (Analytic Hierarchy Process) method to the multi-criteria analysis of the development strategies for the Grand Büech at La Faurie.

Abstract

The GEMAPI (Management of aquatic environments and flood prevention) competence requires managers to consider environmental and flood protection factors in their development projects. The multi-criteria analysis (MCA) method defined by the French government through the PAPI specifications (Flood prevention action programs), is similar to an extended cost-benefit analysis (CBA). In addition to conventional CBA, other environmental, human and socio-cultural criteria must be assessed. At present, project owners do not dispose of recommendations on how to prioritize, weight and possibly aggregate the different criteria in order to select a particular project. Recently, an exploratory work carried out on the Greater Buëch watershed (Hautes-Alpes), has made it possible to define a methodological framework making it possible to evaluate development projects on the basis of monetary criteria, but also on quantitative non-monetary and qualitative ones. In output, the method gives a single synthetic criterion that can support the decision. The method, which is both robust and simple in its principles, remains accessible and makes it possible to respond efficiently to the actual requirements of integrated river management. It guides managers' choices and financial partners' interventions on projects.