Integrating multiple aquatic values: Perspectives and a collaborative future for river science

Abstract

The study and management of rivers have undergone a metamorphosis over the last four decades, transitioning from individual sub-disciplines towards interdisciplinary approaches and an increased focus on viewing riverine landscapes as social-ecological systems. Within this context, there is a growing emphasis on the need to take resilience-based approaches to living with rivers in a sustainable way that maximises public security, infrastructure protection, and economic, ecological, and cultural benefits and values. The concept of viewing rivers as social-ecological systems is gaining traction in science and management discourse; however, the idea is not new, and indigenous knowledge systems consistently place humans within the natural world. Integrating environmental knowledge, in its various forms, plays a key role in understanding issues and developing solutions for freshwater managers, especially in the context of rivers as social-ecological systems. The 5th Biennial Symposium of the International Society for River Science conference, themed "Integrating Multiple Aquatic Values," provided a forum for sharing environmental knowledge underpinning freshwater management critical for achieving multiple goals. The papers in this special issue highlight the fundamental properties of rivers as social-ecological systems and the attempts to integrate multiple values concerned with rivers and their landscapes. From a series of case studies, a set of challenges and opportunities emerge that have the potential to further the management and research of rivers as social-ecological systems and integrate multiple aquatic values. Key to this is acknowledging and respecting the value that indigenous worldviews and knowledge bring. We also echo the call of other authors that if the overall goals are that rivers, societies, and their interactions are to result in positive social and ecological outcomes for people and rivers, then integrating and respecting multiple values and knowledge systems will be required.