Executive Summary

The management of sediment in river basins and waterways has been an important issue
for water managers throughout history ¡V from the ancient Egyptians managing sediment
on floodplains to provide their crops with nutrients, to today‟s challenges of siltation in
large reservoirs. The changing nature of sediment issues, due to increasing human
populations (and the resulting changes in land use and increased water use), the
increasing prevalence of man-made structures such as dams, weirs and barrages and
recognition of the important role of sediment in the transport and fate of contaminants
within river systems has meant that water managers today face many complex technical
and environmental challenges in relation to sediment management.
UNESCO launched International Sediment Initiative (ISI) in 2003. ISI aims to develop a
decision support framework for sediment management, in order to provide guidance on
legislative and institutional solutions, applicable to various socio-economic and
physiographic settings, in the context of global changes. ISI aims to further advance
sustainable sediment management on a global scale. This report draws on international
experience in sediment measurement and management, to provide guidance for policy
makers dealing with water and river basin management.
Case studies prepared as a key component of the ISI, have been produced for the Nile
River Basin, the Mississippi River Basin (USA), the Rhine River Basin, the Volga River
Basin, the Yellow River Basin (China) and the Haihe and Liaohe Rivers (China). The
purpose of these case studies is to:
„h Increase awareness of erosion and sedimentation issues;
„h Increase understanding of erosion and sediment transport processes under
different conditions;
„h Improve the sustainable management of soil and sediment resources, by providing
examples of monitoring and data processing techniques, technical procedures,
and methodologies for the analysis of environmental, social and economic impacts;
and
„h Ultimately assist in the provision of better advice for policy development and
implementation and evaluation of management practices.
The synthesis of these case studies is intended to provide an accessible overview of
sediment problems and sediment management around the world for water managers and
policy makers. Key issues relating to sediment management are explored through the
various case studies and recommendations for developing management strategies have
been extracted from these experiences.

Sediment Issues & Sediment Management in Large River Basins Interim Case Study Synthesis Reports. (PDF, 2.95 MB)




Sediment Issues & Sediment Management in Large River Basins Interim Case Study Synthesis Report (ISI)

The International Sediment Initiative (ISI) is expected to add a new dimension to ongoing efforts aiming at sustainable sediment management, in the context of sustainable water resources development at the global scale.   The overall objective of the International Sediment Initiative is to promote and interact with activities that will result in: ¡P         Increased awareness of erosion and sedimentation issues; ¡P         Improved and sustainable management of soil and sediment resources; ¡P         Better advice for policy development and implementation.   The Case Studies presented in this series are designed to increase awareness of sediment issues, sediment transport processes and management options at the global scale. ISI Fact Sheets: River Basin Case Study Reports. (PDF, 4.22 MB)