Living rivers: trends and challenges in science and management

• Published in: Hydrobiologia Vol. 565; no. 1; pp. 359 - 367
• Main Authors: LEUVEN, R. S. E. W, RAGAS, A. M. J, SMITS, A. J. M, VAN DER VELDE, G
• Format: Conference Proceeding Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dordrecht Springer 01.07.2006; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Animal and plant ecology; Animal, plant and microbial ecology; Biological and medical sciences; Ecology; Economics; Fresh water ecosystems; Freshwater; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; General aspects; Hydrobiology; Rehabilitation; River basin management; River basins; River ecology; River systems; Rivers; Socioeconomic aspects; Socioeconomics; Sustainability; Sustainability management; Synecology; Trends; Water management; Hydrobiology; Aquatic environment; ecosystem-based water management; Water management; Water resource management; environmental rehabilitation; Ecology; Rivers; sustainability; Freshwater environment; ecological rehabilitation; river functioning; Ecosystem; Water engineering; Stream; Rehabilitation
• ISSN: 0018-8158; 1573-5117
• DOI: 10.1007/s10750-005-1925-3

This paper discusses and summarizes the major conclusions of the special issue entitled ‘Living rivers: trends and challenges in science and management’ of Hydrobiologia/Developments in Hydrobiology. It is structured along three lines: (1) Functioning of river systems; (2) Ecological rehabilitation of river systems; (3) Challenges and obstacles to sustainable management. Sustainable river basin management requires a thorough understanding of natural, physical, chemical and ecological processes as well as socio-economic functioning. Environmental rehabilitation of river systems inevitably requires an ecosystem-based approach involving solutions supported by the public. The challenge is to combine ecological and socio-economic sustainability. Rethinking our efforts in both directions must lead to more innovative solutions than those available at present.