ABSTRACT
In many karst regions the only strategy for socio-economic development is to optimize water resources development. Dams and reservoirs are the only strong civil structures able to maintain karst water on the surface for long periods and in the service of man. The major aims of constructing dams and reservoirs in karst terrain are to minimize naturally negative conditions and to maximize positive socio-economic development. Building these structures changes the natural surface and groundwater regimes. However, such modifications of natural groundwater regimes can have a detrimental impact on regional ecological, infrastructure, social and sometimes political systems. Particular sensitive is the fauna of subterranean karst.
The majority of impacts can be foreseen and analyzed during feasibility studies and eliminated or mitigated by appropriate design. The key issue is how to keep the balance between the necessity of development and preservation of complex karst nature. A few case studies presented at Chapter 11 are good examples of relation between dams and reservoirs on environment in karstic regions.
