Design principles from traditional mountain irrigation systems (bisses) in the Valais

This paper describes some of the fundamental changes to design principles which have occurred to the bisse system during the 20th century and assesses the likely impacts these may have on the long term sustainability of bisses. These findings are then discussed in relation to other mountain irrigation systems. The wider relevance of these findings to irrigation planners of the future is also discussed.

Text illustrated by black and white pictures and diagrams.

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