Multi-dimensional Perspectives and Differentiated Strategies of Basin-Scale Water Ecological Conservation and Restoration

Abstract

The status of water ecological environment matters to the well-being of all people. A water ecological management system for high-quality development is required to meet people’s ever-growing expectations for a better life. This relies on a comprehensive understanding of water ecosystems from multi-dimensional perspectives—processes of ecosystem services, history, culture, and art—at the basin scale. Moreover, differentiated strategies should be proposed to adjust to varied natural resource endowment, and socio-economic and cultural heritage in different regions. Only by centering on both ecology and culture through multiple processes (e.g., evolution of regional river basin ecosystem, water cultures, and landscape patterns) dynamically under proper scales (basin, region, river corridor, or river reach), can the water ecosystem function more effectively. In this issue, LA Frontiers hopes to propel interaction between multiple disciplines and industries among spatial planning, hydraulic engineering, and landscape design with research and practice, so as to ensure a safe, clean, healthy, and picturesque river–lake system for people’s well-being.