Integrating multiple aquatic values: Perspectives and a collaborative future for river science

Abstract

The study and management of rivers have undergone a metamorphosis over the last four decades, transitioning from individual sub‐disciplines towards interdisciplinary approaches and an increased focus on viewing riverine landscapes as social‐ecological systems. Within this context, there is a growing emphasis on the need to take resilience‐based approaches to living with rivers in a sustainable way that maximises public security, infrastructure protection, and economic, ecological, and cultural benefits and values. The concept of viewing rivers as social‐ecological systems is gaining traction in science and management discourse; however, the idea is not new, and indigenous knowledge systems consistently place humans within the natural world. Integrating environmental knowledge, in its various forms, plays a key role in understanding issues and developing solutions for freshwater managers, especially in the context of rivers as social‐ecological systems. The 5th Biennial Symposium of the International Society for River Science conference, themed “Integrating Multiple Aquatic Values,” provided a forum for sharing environmental knowledge underpinning freshwater management critical for achieving multiple goals. The papers in this special issue highlight the fundamental properties of rivers as social‐ecological systems and the attempts to integrate multiple values concerned with rivers and their landscapes. From a series of case studies, a set of challenges and opportunities emerge that have the potential to further the management and research of rivers as social‐ecological systems and integrate multiple aquatic values. Key to this is acknowledging and respecting the value that indigenous worldviews and knowledge bring. We also echo the call of other authors that if the overall goals are that rivers, societies, and their interactions are to result in positive social and ecological outcomes for people and rivers, then integrating and respecting multiple values and knowledge systems will be required.

Mātauranga Māori in geomorphology: existing frameworks, case studies, and recommendations for incorporating Indigenous knowledge in Earth science

“…While scientists are typically detached "observers" and analysers of natural systems (Cruikshank, 2012), Indigenous communities position themselves within an extended genealogy that considers nature as kin (Suzuki and Knudtson, 1992;Salmón, 2000). In Indigenous world views and knowledge systems, humans are active participants within natural systems (Hikuroa, 2017;Pingram et al, 2019). Tensions between Indigenous knowledge and science -particularly tensions around rigour of knowledge generation, credibility, world view, and ability to be evaluated -have created challenges for integrating knowledge systems in the past (Mercier, 2007;Bohensky and Maru, 2011).…”

Riverine landscapes, water resource development and management: A view from downunder

“…River science is rapidly transitioning from a multidisciplinary activity focused on the biophysical structure and function of riverine landscapes and the ecosystems they contain, to rivers as social–ecological systems (Pingram, Price, & Thoms, 2019). This transition reflects broader changes in the generation of scientific knowledge (cf.…”

Mātauranga Māori in geomorphology: existing frameworks, case studies and recommendations for Earth scientists

“…As previously discussed, landmark policy achievements that consider both scientific and Indigenous concepts emphasise the human and non-human elements of landscapes (Brierley et al, 2018;Aho, 2019;Pingram et al, 2019). These policies prioritise sustainability by acknowledging the integrity of both geomorphic science and Indigenous knowledge.…”

“…There is no separation between values and facts. Understanding this interplay, and acknowledging and respecting the potential values that Indigenous knowledge can bring to science, is paramount for successful research at the interface (Pingram et al, 2019). Rather than contesting relative validities, Durie (2004) and Peet (2006) demonstrate that work at the interface can be a space for inventiveness and inspiration.…”

“…While scientists are typically detached "observers" and analysers of natural systems (Cruikshank, 2012;Hikuroa, 2017), Indigenous communities position themselves within an extended genealogy that considers nature as kin (Suzuki and Knudtson, 1992;Salmón, 2000). In Indigenous worldviews and knowledge systems, humans are active participants within natural systems (Hikuroa, 2017;Pingram et al, 2019). Tensions between Indigenous knowledge and science-particularly tensions around rigor of knowledge generation, credibility, worldview, and ability to be evaluated-have created challenges for integrating knowledge systems in the past (Mercier, 2007;Bohensky and Maru, 2011).…”