Effective management of soil and water resources is fundamental to advancing sustainable development and improving human well-being. Recent research underscores the critical role of water and sediment connectivity (the physical and functional linkage of a watershed's components) in the framework of integrated watershed management. The preservation of habitats, the enhancement of flood resistance and resilience, and the effective management of ecosystems are crucial for maintaining ecosystem health. Watershed management aims to achieve optimal connectivity or disconnectivity across various ecological domains—such as hydrology, ecology, and geomorphology—particularly in the context of climate change and anthropogenic disturbances. Understanding hydrological and sediment connectivity is paramount due to the complex nature of hydro-geomorphic systems and the multitude of mechanisms that can influence the efficiency of water and sediment transport within a watershed. Analyzing temporal variations in connectivity is essential for elucidating the effects of both natural and anthropogenic disturbances on water-sediment fluxes and related processes. Accordingly, this session invites research addressing connectivity within the framework of watershed management, with particular emphasis on innovative methodologies and approaches to advance understanding of connectivity, vegetation restoration, and watershed management. The session will cover a range of topics, including in-situ field monitoring, laboratory simulations, and the development and application of geomorphometric indices and models. The primary aim is to underscore the importance of connectivity in effectively addressing sediment and water-related challenges. Ultimately, the session seeks to provide managers with critical insights into the timing, location, and strategies for managing hydrological and geomorphic processes, with the overarching goal of achieving sustainable watershed management.
Exploring the link between sediment connectivity and sustainable watershed management: methods, strategies, and challenges