Dimensiones para usar metodologías en la estimación de caudales ambientales en Colombia

Society has made use of the water resources in the rivers, lakes, wetlands and groundwater for agriculture, urban consumption, industry, etc. Water resources have been motor of economical development of nations, at expense of the aquatic ecosystems. The short term benefits of the use of water are high, but could be higher under a sustainable use of the resources seen in a long term perspective, what could guarantee goods services, protection of associated ecosystems as well adaptability to future environmental changes (Climate Change). The environmental flow forms part of a sustainable management of water resources which is based on keeping a good ecological balance. Different methodologies worldwide were reviewed for estimating environmental flows and critical reflection from the Colombian context of the possibilities and constraints to implement them where made