PARENT SESSION
Special Session 2: Uplands to Lowlands: A holistic approach to sustainable water resources
Organized by: E Blood and M Holland
Monday, August 4. 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM, SITCC Oglethorpe Auditorium.

Common themes of a holistic approach to sustainable water resources.

Holland, Marjorie^*,1, N.A., N.A., N.A., N.A., N.A., N.A., N.A., N.A., N.A., N.A., N.A., N.A., N.A., N.A., ¹ P.O. Box 1848, University, Mississippi, USA

ABSTRACT- Successful examples of holistic approaches to water resource management and restoration have recently become more widespread, and thus have provided opportunities for reflection on common characteristics. While grounding in sound science continues to be absolutely critical in formulating appropriate management strategies, a greater appreciation of the intrinsic links between human infrastructure and natural areas is allowing for further constructive discussions of ways to foster sustainable freshwater systems. Managers and the lay public understand the need to look both upstream and downstream of a project in order to truly appreciate the possible impacts of what is being proposed. Especially in the last couple of years the emphasis on "partnerships" has expanded, whether at the local, state, regional, national, or international level. These partnerships can include collaborations between industry and government, between government and academia, between academia and nongovernmental organizations, or in some cases among them all. Partnerships allow us to share the burden, the responsibility, the credit, and the pleasure of watching something develop, grow, and work well. Several successful regional and national partnerships are presented and discussed throughout this special session. Leadership in promoting sustainable water resources is applauded on all levels.

Key words: linkages, holistic approaches, partnerships, leadership