Rapid Hydrological Appraisal (RHA) 
by Kevin Jeanes et. al.

The guidelines presented here allow for a ‘rapid appraisal’ (over a 6-month period) of the hydrological situation and the perceptions of key stakeholders (value, threat and opportunity) to enable an appraisal of the opportunities for negotiating land-use agreements that include rewards for the protection or rehabilitation of watershed functions in the uplands. Examples from a Rapid Hydrological Appraisal (RHA) in the Lake Singkarak area, West Sumatra, Indonesia, illustrate the steps.

Download RHA File 1 (PDF 1,451KB)
Download RHA File 2 (PDF 1,181KB)
Download RHA File 3a (PDF 1,627KB)
Download RHA File 3b (PDF 2,126KB)
Download RHA File 4 (PDF 1,063KB)

Rapid Agrobiodiversity Appraisal (RABA) is not a technical biodiversity appraisal. A standardized way to appraise 'diversity' is a contradiction in terminis - it is likely to miss out on unique dimensions. The method is intended to be an iterative, stepwise approach, suggesting that the user can update new information and modify the approach to suit localities. If a first screening suggests that there is little opportunity for successful negotiations of 'rewards for biodiversity conservation' the process can stop there. If the first indication is positive, a more detailed assessment can clarify the strength of the case or reveal the pitfalls that have to be avoided. RABA is set up to be the equivalent of the Rapid Hydrological Appraisal (RHA) and the Rapid Carbon Stock Appraisal (RaCSA).

Download RABA (PDF 3,394KB)