Ecological concepts for the sustainable management of lowland river basins: A review

This paper reviews the state of the art of ecological theory in the framework of river management and restoration. The paper focuses not on the classical restoration issues (environmental pollution) but rather on physical disturbance and ecological integrity of ecosystems, thus confronting international ecological theories with Dutch river management practice. A considerable number of holistic ecological concepts for river management have been published recently. There is only restricted need for the development of new concepts, but what counts is the reconnaissance and application of ecological principles and the ambition of scientists to cooperate internationally at the catchment level. The policy and planning process of integrated river management becomes an aim in itself, which is in sharp contrast with ecological objectives of holistic streamflow management, comprising extremely high and low benchmark discharges, and restoration of lateral and longitudinal connectivity and integrity of river systems. The Dutch policy regarding ecological restoration of rivers finds itself in an advanced, but internationally isolated position. Ecologically the Dutch policy vision "Space for the river" can only be interpreted as widening the floodplains of Rhine and Meuse, and having overflows available in case of extreme river floods.