Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/1959.11/20123
Title: Eight river principles for navigating the science-policy interface
Contributor(s): Parsons, Melissa  (author)orcid ; Thoms, Martin  (author)orcid ; Flotemersch, Joseph E (author)
Publication Date: 2017
DOI: 10.1071/MF15336
Handle Link: https://hdl.handle.net/1959.11/20123
Abstract: Scientists and policymakers often work together to develop policy about the sustainable use of river ecosystems. River science plays an important role in developing river policy but how can key aspects of river science be conveyed as a heuristic to navigate the interface between river science and river policy? This paper introduces eight principles that encapsulate the key properties of rivers to consider during the development of river policy: (1) rivers are social-ecological systems; (2) river ecosystems provide valuable ecosystem services; (3) tools should support policy development; (4) knowledge of river ecosystems will always be incomplete; (5) social-ecological systems require interdisciplinary perspectives; (6) science is one of many inputs to be considered; (7) heterogeneity and variability are characteristic of river ecosystems; and (8) scale awareness is essential in river ecosystems. Whereas policy challenges are associated with each principle, consideration of principles in the context of the issue at hand may increase the robustness of river policy and enhance the sustainability of river ecosystems. The eight principles are evaluated in relation to the 'Water Act 2007' and the draft Murray-Darling Basin Plan to demonstrate how the principles can enhance policy development in the area of water allocation.
Publication Type: Journal Article
Source of Publication: Marine and Freshwater Research, 68(3), p. 401-410
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Place of Publication: Australia
ISSN: 1448-6059
1323-1650
Fields of Research (FoR) 2008: 040699 Physical Geography and Environmental Geoscience not elsewhere classified
040608 Surfacewater Hydrology
Fields of Research (FoR) 2020: 410402 Environmental assessment and monitoring
370704 Surface water hydrology
Socio-Economic Objective (SEO) 2008: 960999 Land and Water Management of Environments not elsewhere classified
Socio-Economic Objective (SEO) 2020: 180301 Assessment and management of freshwater ecosystems
Peer Reviewed: Yes
HERDC Category Description: C1 Refereed Article in a Scholarly Journal
Appears in Collections:Journal Article
School of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences

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