Fresh Water: Concepts and Methods for Sustainable Management

Abstract

In this course, we will discuss inland water ecosystems, their basic ecological characteristics, as well as their anthropogenic influences and changes. Case studies are used to discuss concepts and methods for sustainable management. The case studies are mostly from Switzerland and refer to the Water Protection Act and the Swiss Biodiversity Strategy.

Objective

• basics concerning the functioning of the most important freshwater ecosystems • basics of the sustainable management of aquatic ecosystems • application of these principles with case studies • critical analyses, organization of discussion groups

Content

1) 1st lesson: Student working groups, working method 2nd lesson: Water Protection Act 2) Biodiversity in floodplains 3) Revitalization of rivers and lakes 4) Floodplain management and revitalisation 5) Protection of watercourses and lakes 6) River widenings and ramps 7) Restoration of the sediment dynamics 8) Changing discharge and temperature regimes in rivers and lakes 9) Planning and operation of pumped storage power plants 10) Water and health, including climate change 11) Fish migration in multi-purpose watercourses 12) Mire protection 13) Final/ Evaluation/ Feedback

Resources