In a new study published in Water & Ecology, two researchers in China outline the evolution, index system, change process and difficulties of international practices in water ecological assessment.
Significance and challenges of water ecological assessments
Water ecological assessments not only evaluates the status and classification of aquatic ecosystems but also serves as a critical foundation for water environment management and ecological recovery. Furthermore, it imposes a restrictive influence on watershed economies, industrial layouts, and development planning.
Consequently, water ecological assessments have become an important strategy in water environmental governance worldwide. The structural complexity of aquatic ecosystems and the impacts of human activities amplify the challenges in conducting such assessments. Different aquatic ecosystems exhibit distinct ecological structures, processes, and functions, which is determined by their natural attributes and inherent physical, chemical, and ecological characteristics.
While ecosystem assessments should be differentiated to reflect variations, the core indicators and methodologies characterizing the health of an ecosystem must retain commonality and uniformity. Importantly, the evaluation of ecosystem’s health profoundly influences the formulation of strategies for water environment protection, ecological conservation, and sustainable water resource utilization.
Exploration and practices of water ecological assessments
The paper highlights the experiences and insights gained from assessments conducted in various countries and organizations including the United States, the European Union, the United Nation, China, Brazil and India. The core of effective water ecological assessment lies in establishing a comprehensive and scientifically robust indicator system with evaluations progressively shifting from a single water quality parameter to integrated ecosystem health assessments. In recent years, China has actively advanced research and practice in water ecological assessment, particularly in the Yangtze River Basin.China’s water ecological assessment indicator system, with multi-levelness, regional adaptability and Chinese characteristics, includes aspects of aquatic organisms, habitats, water environments and water resources.
Prospects and implications of water ecological assessments
The implementation of water ecological assessment is of great significance. With positive future prospects, it aim to continuous improvement of aquatic ecosystems and the objectives of ecological civilization construction. Future water ecological assessments need to adopt integrated management of water resources, water environment and water ecology. China's innovative practices in this field have provided valuable experience for global aquatic ecological conservation. Moving forward, China will continue to promote the scientific standardized, and internationalized water ecological assessment , contributing to the sustainable utilization of global water resources and ecological security.
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References
DOI
10.1016/j.wateco.2025.100002
Original Source URL
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wateco.2025.100002
Funding Information
N/A
About Water & Ecology (W&E)
Water & Ecology (W&E) focuses on original research in the fields of water resources and science of water environments integrated with water ecology. The research areas include solutions associated with engineering, management and policies. The goal of this new journal is to address the inherent relationship and systemic changes in water systems integrated with ecological approaches and frameworks, develop theories and technologies, as well as methods for promoting knowledge, innovation and scientific breakthroughs in the field of water and ecology. W&E emphasizes outcomes with practical applications contributing to the sustainable development of society.