Perceptions and Interpretations of Environmental Flows and Implications for Future Water Resource Management: A Survey Study

The assessment and application of environmental flows has advanced considerably in the last ten years. To coincide with the emergence and expansion of the environmental flows concept, a survey study was undertaken aiming to identify perceptions and interpretations. The study also aimed to determine the extent to which the concept is being applied and translated into policy and practice, and the major challenges and opportunities that exist. A total of 272 responses representing 64 countries in the six major regions of the world was received. The ways in which people define and interpret the concept varied widely. The degree of application shows the growing recognition around the world of the need to consider the environmental water requirements when making decisions on water allocations. The survey allowed the opportunity for respondents to highlight what they perceived as the major obstacles and difficulties for the concept. Lack of understanding among stakeholders of the socio-economic costs and benefits associated with concept implementation, and a lack of political will were the two most common obstacles for continued application of the concept around the world. Overall, the survey delivered promising signs for the continued evolution of environmental flows within water management