Chapter 10 - Visions, Objectives, Targets, and Goals

Abstract

Establishing a shared and defined vision is a critical initial step in managing river resources and implementing environmental water regimes. We argue that the vision statement is best obtained through the stakeholder engagement processes and identification of ecosystem services, set within the context of wider constraints and national priorities, laws, and international commitments. This chapter discusses the approach to establishing objectives, targets, and goals that translate the social values espoused through the vision into scientific endpoints that support and inform management. We suggest a hierarchical ecosystem framework that establishes objectives, goals, and targets to account for different temporal and spatial scales of response.