The new generation of watershed management

Evidence-based policies

Linkages between watershed science and policies are not as straightforward as would be desirable. Policy-makers find it difficult to accept the current level of uncertainty about watershed processes, and tend to rely on outdated, oversimplified models, which create wrong assumptions and misconceptions. Watershed management policies are often based on myths or common wisdom, rather than on updated scientific evidence.

The gap between science and policy can be filled by enhanced communication among politicians, researchers and practitioners. The research community should convey its findings to policy-makers in clear and ready-to-use formats, describing complex watershed management processes in straightforward messages that prompt action and trigger investment.

National research frameworks that feed relevant information into watershed management policy-making are needed. National watershed management master plans, including mechanisms for identifying priority areas and hot spots, should be developed, and reviewed and adjusted frequently, based on sound monitoring and evaluation of data. Relevant indicators should be identified and an appropriate information system established. Existing databases need to be homogeneous and interfaced.

The development community has to implement integrated watershed management concepts in a wider resource management context and to confront complex and messy real-world situations. It is important to understand how the belief systems underlying scientific and public perceptions have evolved within different stakeholder groups, and how to enable more science-based policy development. It is equally important to recognize how different land- and water-related policies affect the ownership of natural resources and people’s livelihoods.