Demonstration site should aim at enhancement of ecological and sustainability status in the catchment in four dimensions: water quality and/or quantity, biodiversity, ecosystem services, cultural heritage and resilience (WBSR). Since the core of Ecohydrology is the analysis (understanding of processes) and regulation ("dual regulation") of water-biota interplay, the proposed demonstration sites should be able to demonstrate to what extent it considers/expands the existing knowledge and understanding of this interplay, and the methods to achieve this goal.
There are three key objectives to establish new ecohydrology demonstration sites:
- Synthesize knowledge gaps for addressing ecohydrological issues related to critical water ecosystems, including those in arid and semiarid zones, coastal areas and estuaries, and urbanized areas;
- Showcase how better knowledge of the interrelationships between the hydrological cycle, livelihoods and ecosystems can contribute to more cost-effective and environmental-friendly water management;
- Demonstrate systems solutions and technology transfer opportunities through North-South and South-South linkages in order to harmonize the ecosystem potential with societal needs.
The Ecohydrology concept should operate in demonstration sites on three levels:
- INFORMATION (monitoring, collecting of empirical data, defining interactions and hydrology-biota-society feedbacks);
- KNOWLEDGE (defining patterns and dynamics, describing and explaining processes, understanding water-biota interplay);
- WISDOM (ability to formulate policy, principles for action, problem solving by system solutions, stakeholders involvement, education, implementation).