26 - The nature of lowland rivers: a search for river identity

Summary

Rivers have, more than almost any other unanimated object, an animated gesture, something resembling character

Macaulay (1838) describing the Rhône (see Schama, 1995)

River rehabilitation, on what scientific basis?

In doing research on a river, by discovering more and more of its secrets, the observer will come nearer and nearer to its identity. Every river ecologist has his or her favorite river mainly because of its character. This individual character or identity, however, is difficult to translate into scientific terms. Since we are educated to mistrust our subjectivity in science, personal impressions are generally kept for artists and general conversation. Can river identity be approached in a more objective way by making use of objective personal impressions?

In integrated river management in western Europe, scientific, technological, and political developments have led to an understanding that the immense social chances and constraints related to river management should be approached in a systematic and interactive way. A clear delineation of rehabilitation targets for nature should enhance unbiased public and scientific discussion of these opportunities and constraints. The aim of this essay is to explore the scientific dimension of river rehabilitation and to survey the possibility of using personal impressions as an instrument to approach river identity. The main focus is on lowland rivers, as illustrated by the Meuse.

River rehabilitation commonly aims at increased biodiversity or improved connectivity. Biodiversity, as such, has no meaning unless it is related to a coherent network of habitats.