Official Journal of the Asia Oceania Geosciences Society (AOGS)
Truth 1: Respect diversity | |
Discipline-bound knowledges assert theoretical framings of the river as it should be | Nested hierarchical principles underpin appropriately contextualised knowledge of the geo-eco-hydrological template of a river. A holistic riverscape approach generates and applies catchment-specific knowledges of the river as it is |
Truth 2: Work with process | |
Site/reach-scale applications, typically channel-centric, apply linear, cause-and-effect principles that conceptualise a river as a predictable entity in a dynamic equilibrium state (i.e., regime principles) | Process relationships conceptualise rivers as living, adjusting, disturbance-driven entities. Inherent uncertainties accompany understandings of rivers as non-linear, contingent and emergent entities that demonstrate complex response |
Truth 3: Assess river condition | |
Prescriptive, checklist, cookbook applications (one size fits all) generate a static appraisal of a river, conceived as a collection of bits | Open-ended methods meaningfully compare like-with-like in process-based appraisal of character and behaviour, emphasising concerns for the integrity of river systems |
Truth 4: Interpret evolutionary trajectory to determine what is realistically achievable | |
Site/reach scale applications are inappropriately contextualised in space and time | Interpretation of where each reach sits on a degradation or recovery pathway is used to scope realistically achievable visions, framing reach-scale moving targets in relation to recovery potential and (dis)connectivity relations at the catchment scale |
Bring Truths together to inform management applications | |
Reactive, cost-ineffective, ad hoc applications. Locked-in mentalities and legacy effects set path dependencies that are expensive and difficult (sometimes impossible) to revoke | Proactive and precautionary catchment plans respect diversity and work with processes to improve river condition. A conservation ethos works with recovery and strategically addresses threatening processes. Monitoring underpins adaptive management programmes that adjust as necessary |