Sustainable mountain irrigation? The bisses of the Valais, Switzerland: a holistic appraisal

Doctoral thesis of the University of Huddersfield.

This is a holistic investigation of the design principles, hydrological functioning, social control mechanisms and environmental impact of an irrigation system. The thesis explores the concept of sustainability through an examination of the sustainable characteristics of the ancient, but extant bisse system in the Valais, Switzerland. An interdisciplinary and contextual approach is used to answer the research questions.

The Swiss National Library (Bern) is the only one in Switzerland to own a paper copy of this document.

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