Environmental and public health impacts of dams and irrigation schemes

Construction of dams and irrigation schemes is key to promoting economic growth and ensure food security, particularly in the developing world. However, unintended public health consequences such as malaria have been associated with the construction of dams and irrigation schemes, especially in tropical regions. Poor planning and management of water resources have also been linked with negative ecological impacts downstream. Identifying environmental factors that aggravate public health challenges is key to devise mitigating measures. In order to attain the economic benefits of dams and irrigation schemes, and ensure the well-being of people living around them, an evidence-based decision is required to promote proper planning, design, and operation of water storages in the developing world.

The goal of this Research Topic is to document public health and ecological impacts of dams and irrigation schemes in the developing world, and to encourage discussions on mitigation measures to create a healthy ecosystem around these water infrastructures.

The scope of this Research Topic is to demonstrate the link between water infrastructures (dams and irrigation schemes) and public health and the environment. Manuscripts that consider the public health or environmental effects of dams and irrigation schemes are welcome. In addition, studies that help develop mitigation measures, models, and early-warning tools to address public health and ecological consequence of water storages are also encouraged.