Applying ecohydrology to on-ground management of wetlands and floodplains - 'Learning by doing'

Ecohydrology in Australia is moving towards solving practical management problems by linking environmental, social and economic factors. The River Murray Wetland Rehabilitation Project is demonstrating the ecohydrological approach to manage local resources with the involvement of communities. On-ground projects aim to restore key elements of the natural hydrological regime to repair damaged wetland ecosystems. Management objectives include reversing major changes in water regimes, and reducing the impact of introduced exotic fish. ‘Learning by doing’ is advancing understanding of the ecohydrology of these wetland systems faster than traditional research methods, using active partnerships between managers and researchers. Positive changes in the managed wetlands show that sustainable management is practical.