This is the first book to provide a truly global synthesis of knowledge on river conservation, and will be an invaluable reference for all those concerned with strategic river planning. Throughout the world, river ecosystems frequently reflect the worst excesses of human exploitation for instance when rivers are used as repositories for waste. Recognition is growing that river management needs to move from chemical clean-up to restoring the structural damage caused by decades of river engineering. There needs to be a catchment-wide perspective if the needs of human populations, river habitats and wildlife are to reach a sustainable balance. Against this backdrop, the development of river conservation strategies has become a global imperative.This book sets out a worldwide, region-by-region overview of the science, policy and practice of river conservation. It also provides a topical review of different river settings (such as tropical/temperate; temporary/perennial; large/small) and contemporary issues in river conservation (such as classification and evaluation; environmental legislation; the role of public participation).Clearly written by leading researchers in the field, this book will be welcomed by all those working on environmental management of inland waters as well as academics, researchers, postgraduates and final year undergraduates.