How can conservation biology inform the practice of Integrated River Basin Management?

Abstract

The resource management literature strongly promotes Integrated River Basin Management (IRBM) as an approach for achieving the sustainable provision of freshwater ecosystem services. There is evidence that maintaining these services depends on the conservation of native biodiversity. Through an analysis of 35 case studies from around the world, we explore the extent to which active IRBM projects incorporate biodiversity conservation goals. We begin by examining definitions of IRBM and highlight variations that may obscure project goals. We then categorize the objectives of the case study programs and compare those from developed and developing countries. We conclude that biodiversity planning is under‐represented in currently active water resource management programs, and we offer suggestions for how IRBM projects might integrate elements of conservation biology to help ensure the long‐term provision of water resources both for ecosystems and for human use.