Overview of limitations, and proposals for improvement, in education and capacity building of Ecohydrology

Abstract

Ecohydrology has the potential to make a significant contribution to the global need for improved water resources management. An investigation was conducted into educational and capacity building activities related to ecohydrology in an effort to better integrate understanding, promote awareness of existing activities, and to recommend action for global knowledge translation. Based on a survey of key partners and a review of the literature, three key observations were made: 1) consistency in the use of the definition and key concepts behind ecohydrology must be achieved, 2) development of a framework for courses in ecohydrology be developed for application on a regional and global scale and 3) there may be existing educational materials on ecohydrology but they are not well publicized or accessible even to seasoned practitioners. These recommendations are currently being implemented with the development and testing of three pilot courses.