Application of the Analytic Network Process for Sub-Watershed Prioritization in the Huehuetan River Basin, Chiapas, Mexico

Abstract

Sub-watershed prioritization is essential for developing watershed management plans that maximize impact with minimal resources. This study used a multicriteria decision-making approach to rank sub-watersheds by degradation status in the Huehuetan River Basin, Chiapas, Mexico. The eight sub-watersheds in the basin were classified using the Analytic Network Process (ANP) model, evaluating morphometry, hydrology, hillslope stability, soil water saturation, land-use change, and socioeconomic factors. The results identified hydrology and land-use change as the most influential criteria, with weights of 20.62% and 19.82%, respectively, driven mainly by surface runoff and deforestation. Swtr 08 and Swtr 07 were identified as the highest-priority sub-watersheds, covering 24.31% of the basin area, with 55.31% of Swtr 08 classified as unstable and showing a combined high-vegetation loss of 16.46 km2. The entire watershed showed an annual vegetation loss rate of 146 ha year−1. Increasing the weighting by 50% resulted in greater variability in priority rankings, with runoff and low vegetation showing maximum global ranges of −44.33% and 30.25%, respectively, instability decreasing by 33.94%, and peak flow increasing by 18.20%. These findings emphasize the need for focused interventions in the vulnerable subwatersheds of the upper basin to manage runoff, curb deforestation, and reduce soil instability.