Human–River Relationships

Abstract

<p>Rivers and people are tightly coupled. How people relate to rivers dictates their understanding of rivers and approaches to river management. The numerous ways people interact with rivers create complex patterns of social– ecological relationships and interdependencies. Despite this tight coupling, rivers and humans are often studied and managed as separate entities, to the detriment of river environments. Conceptual pluralism is required to move beyond existing practice to avoid irretrievable loss of ways of framing and working with our river environments. The articles in this special issue approach human–river relationships from three perspectives. First, there is a subset that enters the discussions via the <i>human</i> aspects of relationships with rivers, particularly the human frames, metaphors, definitions, or concepts used to reflect on human activities related to rivers. The second subset approaches relationships via the river dimensions, with particular focus on the impacts of human modifications to river ecosystems. Finally, the third subset more fully emphasizes the <i>relationships</i> between humans and rivers. The wide-ranging dialogue provided in these articles highlights the need for a wider research agenda for rivers that embraces social– ecological systems and other integrative, inclusive ways of understanding. As a collective, these articles advocate the value of creating new river knowledge embedded within a social– ecological context, action, and advocacy.</p>